MBTA riders frustrated by broken escalators at Aquarium station
BOSTON - Using public transit can be a long ride in Boston, but for some passengers getting off at the Aquarium stop on the Blue Line, the hike out of the train station may be the hardest part. A key entrance has had escalators down since last year.
"Oh, I notice it's been out because I schlep my bike up the few stairs," said Davis Droll, clutching his bike that he carried up the stairs on his shoulder. "It seems like it has been out a few weeks this time. I mean it's been out a lot of the time."
Escalators broken in both directions
The escalators are broken in both directions. The MBTA saying there has been a significant delivery time issue for replacement parts. The "down" escalator has been out since April of last year, while the "up" escalator has been down since November of 2024.
"I think it's because the location is close to the water. I think this station floods all of the time," said Droll.
Years of water exposure
The MBTA says the escalator is up for a complete overhaul due to years of water exposure. Their 5-year capital investment plan includes more than $12 million in escalator and stair repairs.
"I don't remember it ever working if I am being honest with you," said Donald Smith, a Blue Line rider taking the train to the airport. "I always try to take public transit, but it is disappointing when you see the infrastructure not quite there."
With the escalator down, passengers must climb 61 steps to the top if they want to use the particular entrance and exit. There are alternate routes, such as using the other entrance that has working escalators, however that entry way will leave passengers on the opposite side of Atlantic Avenue.
There are also six working elevators. "It's not a big elevator. You can accommodate maybe four people," said Droll.
The MBTA says work on the "up" escalator is close to being complete, but they did not provide a finish date.
