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Ruggles Station Improvements

Computer rendering of new Columbus Ave entrance at Ruggles Station, aerial viewpoint
A rendering of the new Columbus Ave entrance at Ruggles Station, aerial view

Serving riders on the Orange Line, Commuter Rail, and several key bus routes, Ruggles station is one of the most used stations in our network. We've spent the last few years making improvements to provide riders with a better experience.

We split our improvements into the following phases:

  • Phase I was completed in December 2021. We focused on increasing Commuter Rail train access and making transfers and movement through the station easier for riders.
  • Phase II is ongoing. Our work includes making accessibility upgrades and structural repairs.

Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

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Project Features

We will make structural repairs and upgrades to various components, including the following:

  • New, fully accessible Columbus Avenue entrance
  • Landscaping improvements
  • Cleaning and painting
  • Sidewalk, stairs, flooring, and platform repairs and replacement
  • New elevator
  • Exit improvements
  • New wayfinding signage and visual displays
  • New energy-efficient lighting
  • Lighting upgrades, including skylight replacements
  • Escalator modernization
  • Rehabilitated, fully accessible restrooms

Rider Benefits

  • Fully accessible Ruggles station 
  • State of good repair upgrades  
  • Enhanced fire and life safety upgrades

Phase II – In Progress

This project will provide critical accessibility upgrades and improve your experience throughout the station.

Design contract awarded: Fall 2020
Budget: $80 million
Status: Construction to begin spring 2024

We have completed the design for Phase II and anticipate starting construction in spring 2024.

Phase I – Completed

During Phase I, we made upgrades at Ruggles station that allow more Commuter Rail trains to stop there, and make movement through the station and transfers to other modes easier for riders.

Contract awarded: June 2017
Project completed: December 2021
Budget: $38 million
Status: Complete

Challenges we addressed

  • 30% of Commuter Rail trains bypassed Ruggles station to stop at Back Bay
  • Riders traveling to the Ruggles area had to take the Orange Line from Back Bay to Ruggles to connect to bus or shuttle service

Improvements we made

  • Built a new 800-foot platform so more trains can stop at Ruggles
  • Regraded the lower busway and added a new elevator to make it easier to transfer between modes
  • Replaced four existing elevators throughout the station to improve accessibility to Orange Line and Commuter Rail platforms
  • Widened sidewalks and made other improvements along paths of travel to make the station safer for pedestrians

Past Events

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Contact Us

For all questions and comments related to Ruggles Station construction, please contact rugglesimprovements@mbta.com.

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Recent Updates

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Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

Learn more

Recent Updates

View all project updates