MBTA marks accessibility upgrades at Franklin Station

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark completed accessibility upgrades at Franklin Station along the Franklin and Foxboro commuter-rail line.

Passengers can now board trains completely stair-free. Previously, there were no stair-free options for boarding trains, MBTA officials said in a press release. Through the project, the authority designed and installed a freestanding mini-high platform that sits atop the original platform infrastructure.

Other upgrades completed during the project included the addition of new lighting, an electronic message board with audio, a new canopy, tactile warning trips, benches and trash cans. The MBTA also repaved the station's parking lot, relocated the accessible parking spaces to be closer to the ramp and increased the number of assessable spots.

"We are committed to making all stations accessible, and these upgrades ... help bring us one step closer to a system that works for everyone," said MBTA Assistant General Manager of Department of System-Wide Accessibility Laura Brelsford.