MBTA Accessibility Lawsuit Update
Greater Boston Residents Working Together for ADA Compliance by the MBTA
Daniels-Finegold Et Al. v. MBTA
Federal Court Civil Action No. 02 CV 11504 MEL
Spring 2010 Issue XIX

Introducing Improved Fare Gates

     On June 10, 2010 the MBTA unveiled a new and improved Automated Fare Collection (AFC) gate
at North Station ation after two years of research and development. The transit authority is planning to 
introduce twenty more of the new gates at high traffic stations around the system before eventually 
implementing the gates system-wide.  
     Unlike its predecessor, the new AFC gate has two targets for CharlieCards and TAP cards. In 
addition to the traditional target on the front right section of the entrance, the new gates have a target 
located on the inside of the gate as well. The new location presents people with limited use of their 
arms or hands with a much more accessible target. 
As a number of media members and MBTA officials looked on, Rob Park (pictured left) from the Boston Center for 
Independent Living was the first to try out the new gate. The crowd on hand for the introduction ceremony was 
excited about the new gate and the progress the MBTA has made towards greater system-wide accessibility. 

In Case of Emergency MBTA is More Prepared

MBTA General Manager Richard Davey has identified safety as the number one concern for the 
transit authority and recently the MBTA has taken steps to improve its ability to react to emergency 
situations on the subway. Thanks to a sizeable Homeland Security Grant, the MBTA has purchased 
close to 500 new evacuation chairs and twelve motorized carts to assist in emergency evacuations.
    The new evacuation chair resembles a manual wheeled mobility device but is much more durable, 
lightweight, and secure. The chair features four lifting points that enable emergency staff to carry 
riders up flights of stairs. A tank-like wheel design allows the chair to travel down stairs quickly and safely. 
    The motorized carts are able to travel along the tracks and transport passengers to exit points 
along any subway route. The carts were designed in association with the evacuation chairs and can 
securely fit up to four chairs. The new emergency equipment is a welcome addition to the numerous 
tools that the MBTA uses to manage emergency situations, but challenges remain. While all station 
officials are trained to use the new evacuation chairs and motorized carts, there are questions about 
the training level of lower level employees and members of the local police and fire departments that 
assist the MBTA in emergency situations.  

Minding the Gap
    Because the issue of the gap between trains and platforms continues to hamper the 
accessibility of the subway, the MBTA has introduced a bridgeplate program as a temporary 
solution to the problem. The bridgeplate is a sturdy platform that spans the gap between the train 
and the platform and allows riders using wheeled mobility devices and baby strollers to safely and 
easily board the train. The bridgeplates are available at all Red, Orange, and Blue Line stations. 
Though the bridgeplates serve as a viable solution to the gap problem, MBTA riders still express 
concern about the availability of the MBTA employees who deploy the bridgeplates. The MBTA is also 
taking steps to implement a long-term solution to the gap problem. The MBTA’s Capital Improvement Plan 
has allocated over ten million dollars to help eliminate excessive gaps along the Orange Line. 
Eventually the MBTA hopes to eliminate the horizontal gap between the train and the platform by extending 
the edge of the platform to meet the edge of the train, but for now bridgeplates are the only available solution. 

"The MBTA fixed route system is much more accessible than it has ever been."
-Laura Brelsford, MBTA System Wide Accessibilty Coordinator

Real Time Updates
    In response to continued criticism about delays and service outages, the MBTA has greatly improved its system for 
keeping customers informed. The MBTA runs a service hotline (1-800-392-6100 or 1-617-222-2828) that provides 
information regarding delays and outages. The improved MBTA website provides live information about issues ranging 
from bus and train delays to out of service escalators and elevators. 
    Riders can also sign up for T-Alerts, a service that informs regular customers about outages or delays of more 
than 15 minutes along a given route. Using the MBTA website, riders can sign up to receive T-Alerts on their email, 
cell phone, pager or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). In addition, the MBTA offers smartphone applications that 
provide real-time information about delays or outages.  

Barriers to accessing health care? 			Finding problems on the MBTA?
• Inpatient rooms without accessible bathrooms? 	• Gaps between platform and train?
• Not being weighed at doctor’s appointments?		• No staff assistance available at stations?
• Service dog not allowed in hospital?			• Problems boarding buses?

GBLS and BCIL are working together to improve accessibility at health care facilities and the MBTA for individuals 
with disabilities.  To share your experiences, please contact:
Nick Pisegna, GBLS, 617-603-1564; 617-371-1228 (TTY); npisegna@gbls.org

Published by Greater Boston Legal Services, 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114