MBTA Celebrates Government Center Station’s Grand Reopening
Photo by Garrett Quinn
Despite a few inches of wet snow, the MBTA’s Government Center station reopened Monday following a two-year renovation that closed the Green and Blue Line hub.
Before the reopening ceremony, busking violinist Vivian Luo, of “Hotline Bling” on the Red Line fame, performed for those in attendance.
Well this should make waiting for a train a little more fun: #mbta #mondaymotivation pic.twitter.com/s1gayS9KF8
— Erica Moura (@EricaMouraNEWS) March 21, 2016
All I can say about the new Government Center station is I hope they keep the music. #Britney pic.twitter.com/gQnCYNyqrF
— Ryan Breslin (@RyBrez) March 21, 2016
MBTA general manager Frank DePaola, who first revealed that the new Government Center would open in March, wore a transit-themed tie for the special occasion.
#MBTA GM Frank DePaola in transit-friendly apparel for the occasion at Gov. Ctr re-opening. pic.twitter.com/AAYxXRQ4Ga
— Adam Vaccaro (@adamtvaccaro) March 21, 2016
Perhaps as a nod to the old Government Center, the refreshments table was set up where the Dunkin Donuts hut used to be.
https://twitter.com/Jen_Royle/status/711929606203432960
There’s even a certain English flair to the new station.
Photo by Garrett Quinn
And best of all, it appears the MBTA has finally done something about that ear-splitting screech that plagued the old station. Turns out the solution was just a little water.
Here are the water sprays attached to tracks, aimed at cutting back on screeching #mbta train pic.twitter.com/X0Z1KxYah7
— Gintautas Dumcius (@gintautasd) March 21, 2016
The MBTA is looking for someone to occupy the retail space where a small convenience store once stood on the old Blue Line platform.
Photo by Garrett Quinn
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker stopped by for the ribbon-cutting. We can assume Baker finally started returning Walsh’s numerous calls.
Government Center officially reopens to the public at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
