Photo: Jay Willett / WBZ NewsRadio
BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — If you've ever taken the Red Line to or from Braintree somewhere within the last couple decades, chances are you've heard his voice. The announcement system crackles on, and a clear, steady, auctioneer-style declaration comes through the speakers.
"Next stop Davis Square— Braintree train! Braintree!"
Sitting alone among the group of midday commuters, I noticed a few riders chuckle to themselves at the carried pace of the announcement. Most had ear buds in, and the voice cut right through, reminding them to get off at the next stop.
If that rings a bell, the voice is likely that of Allen Freeman, a motorman that's been with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for nearly two decades, shuttling riders up and down the Red Line all with a tone and personality that not even a slow zone can set back. Recently, Freeman has gained some notoriety for his lively announcements with some calling him 'funny,' 'enthusiastic,' and a 'true gem,' of the T.
"When I first started, I got full time and I was doing my announcements, and I opened up the door when I got to Davis, and the whole train clapped— it's all in fun, it's too easy to be depressed. Many a time's people will tell me 'I was feeling bad, and then I listened to your announcements, and it made me laugh.' It just touches me," Freeman said.
Throughout his career, Freeman says he's seen it all. One of this first summers on the job, Freeman says he jumped into a pool near Alewife Station in Cambridge to save a child from drowning.
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But Freeman tells me, it was a long ride to get to where he is, and that programs on Boston's Long Island are what set him back on track.
"I was a bad alcoholic, drugs enhanced my life to doo doo, but I ended up getting into recovery, and it saved my life— AA and NA saved my life," Freeman said.
Though Freeman is headed for retirement in the coming years, Red Line riders yearning for lively announcements will be in good hands with his colleague and protégé, Brodo, otherwise known as the "Master of Transit." Freeman calls his fellow motorman 'Top Gun,' because Brodo can pilot more than just trains, he's well in tune with the aviation world too.
Freeman says he's extremely thankful for his online fanbase— and as for some potential grumpy morning commuters, Freeman hopes each continues to ride the T.
"Please keep riding the T, you all give me inspiration. I'm always grateful for compliments, and I always try to tell people when I see them angry to smile a little— it ain't really that bad. 'Is it really that bad?' They look at you kind of crazy sometimes, and then they come out, and they start smiling and they say 'thank you.'" Freeman said.
WBZ's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.
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