More Run-Down MBTA Properties—Who Cleans Them Up?

(Karyn Regal/WBZ NewsRadio

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After another MBTA property was found in poor condition, the organization said they've been asking Commuter Rail operator Keolis to aid in clearing out refuse—even though that goes beyond Keolis' obligations.

Last Friday, WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal reported on a trashed MBTA lot on Hyde Park Avenue that had used needles, garbage, and debris piled up.

This week, Regal got a tip about another problem spot. It's a pump house near Hynes Convention Center, with a door so rusted it fell of its hinges.

Inside, there's a ladder going right down to the Commuter Rail tracks—and the opening is filled with trash and dirty needles.

The MBTA said the old pumping station was never used by them, but was “inherited” after the old Turnpike Authority was shut down.

After WBZ NewsRadio contacted the MBTA, a MassDOT worker arrived to prop the hollow door back up. They added they would ask Keolis to weld the door shut.

Just as in the case of the Hyde Park Avenue lot, the problem area isn't on Keolis property—they're only contractually obligated to maintain the right of way, right up against the Commuter Rail tracks—but the T is asking them for help because they have more resources.

Boston City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu said the city is reaching out to the state for assistance in cleaning up places like these, and that she'd like to see MBTA and MassDOT staff trained and equipped to deal with run-down T properties themselves.

"The deeper problems continue to grow, and as our capacity increases to handle it, the problem grows bigger and bigger," Wu said.

WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports


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