The long-awaited completion of the South Station Transportation Center marks the end of a decades long process, creating a new gateway to Boston with upgraded rail and bus terminals.
Hines, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is pleased to announce that the South Station Transportation Center Improvements Project is now complete.
For the first time in South Station’s history, a new, direct connection allows passengers a convenient way to transfer from bus, rail and subway stations all within the Transportation Center. Customers will experience a rail terminal 67% larger than the prior concourse, which includes an accessible elevator and escalator leading to the new Bus Terminal expansion, which increased capacity by 50%. Previously, these two terminals were separated, requiring passengers to travel between two buildings.
In 1977, the BPDA (then the Boston Redevelopment Authority) sold South Station to the MBTA, but maintained ownership of the air rights, with the intent that the MBTA would transform the station into an intermodal transportation center containing bus, rail and subway connections. Progress on the Transportation Center began in 1984 with the addition of a new concourse and a connection to the Red Line, and continued in 1995 with the construction of the bus terminal.
In 2016, the BPDA approved the South Station Air Rights’ Project with Hines, which saw the construction of a 51-story tower on top of the iconic South Station headhouse. As part of this work, Hines oversaw the completion of the South Station Transportation Center Improvements Project, building on the improvements made in prior decades.
Patrons and visitors of the new South Station Transportation Center will enjoy new amenities such as:
A new, weather protected outdoor concourse which is 67% larger than the prior concourse
A Bus Terminal expansion increasing capacity by more than 50%
An architecturally significant public space at the outdoor concourse area that enhances the image of South Station as a gateway to the city
A new Pedal & Park bicycle storage facility with access from Atlantic Avenue
Lighting, fire and life safety and security enhancements in the rail yard and platform areas
Wayfinding, access and safety enhancements for transit patrons with disabilities
Hines is thrilled to have played a role in this historic process, bringing to life a vision of a thriving transportation hub in the heart of Boston.