June 28, 2002

MGH and MBTA partnership right on track

At a special ceremony June 20, James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, presented a check for $2.5 million to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to assist with the modernization of the Charles Street/MGH T Station. The reconstruction will make the T stop accessible to all and provide a more convenient and comfortable means of transportation for patients, employees and the general public.

The partnership between the MGH and the MBTA began several years ago. During last week's event, James Scanlan, Massachusetts secretary of Transportation, and Michael Mulhern, general manager of the MBTA, thanked the MGH for supporting the station renovations and announced the launch of the bidding process for the project. Construction of the new station, which will cost approximately $20 million, is slated to begin this fall and will be completed toward the end of 2004.

The new station will offer several important improvements, including barrier-free access for persons with disabilities; the addition of ramps, escalators and elevators; a more accessible path of travel; improved signage; barrier-free gates; and an overall more welcoming environment.

"This station serves as a vital link between the MGH and thousands of patients, families, visitors, employees and staff who come through our doors," said Mongan. "Part of our commitment to ensuring access to high-quality health care is helping people get to the MGH in a way that is safe, convenient and comfortable. The new T station will help us fulfill this commitment. We are pleased to lend our support to an effort that will benefit the hospital, the community and the city in so many ways."