ELEVATOR, ESCALATOR CUTS AT STATION BRING COMPLAINTS

Citing concerns about accessibility, the Cambridge, Massachusetts, City Council has passed a resolution asking the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to reconsider the elimination of elevators, escalators, stairs and a ramp from the Union Square station, part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) rapid transit Green Line Extension project. Wicked Local Cambridge reported the council took the action March 18 after fielding complaints about an MBTA decision to eliminate the accessibility features over budgetary concerns. The authority has said because the station has an at-grade entrance, the cuts do not restrict accessibility. Councilor Denise Simmons noted, however, that the cuts will make access more difficult for people who use wheelchairs, canes and walkers because they will have to travel a greater distance to access the station. The city, which has pledged US$25 million toward the project, forwarded the resolution to MBTA and Gov. Charlie Baker.