The Solution

The MBTA knows the problem and that there are solutions readily available to their communities and their ridership. 

Together we can ask the City of Beverly and the MBTA to put the safety of residents and commuters first.

There are so many ways to make these crossings across the City safer! Gates and other physical barriers, better signage for drivers, signals for walkers and cyclists.  We need to start being honest about the cost of these crossings because there are inexpensive ways to make our cities and towns safer. 

“We’re talking thousands, not millions.”

Attributes for a Safe Passenger Platform

  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for all users and meets all standards.

  • Active Warning: Accurately and functionally inform passengers of all hazards at the platform while meeting all standards.

  • Walking Area: The level between two adjoining surfaces meets all standards.

  • Clarity: Obvious where the area is and easy to understand its use.

  • Clear: Free of obstacles and hazards making the path relatively level, resistant to slips.

  • Conspicuity: Ensure that any potential hazard comes to the attention of the passengers using that pathway.

  • Continuous Path: No large elevations and the surface is within standards.

  • Designs: Are within all standards.

  • Detectable Warning: Alert all passengers while meeting all standards.

  • Discernible: Passengers need to be able to perceive any potential hazards so that actions may be taken to avoid them.

  • Expectancy: Ensure that information is provided to capture the passenger’s attention and communicate the essential data.

  • Information: Information is visible, clearly identifiable, easy to understand and provides warning.

  • Passive Warning: It provides static messages of warning, guidance consisting of warning signs, guide signs, and supplemental markings, which meet all standards.

  • Security: Ensure the placement of lighting that contributes to make the hazards more visible and the user safe.

  • Smoothness: Surface is smooth and will perform best under wet conditions while meeting all standards.

  • Visibility: The Illumination of the pathway area allows passengers to clearly see the pathway areas and information systems.

“Up and Over station platform access is provided because pedestrian track crossings are not allowed at Commuter Rail and Heavy Rail Stations.”

-MBTA 4/17/19 Design Directive.  

  • At-grade pedestrian crossings should not be in place at busy commuter rail stations.

  • Station crossings must have active warning systems. (e.g., bells, flashing lights, gates)

    - FRA Publication”  4/11/22: Americans with Disability Rail Platform Construction Guidance and Lessons Learned.