Subway Stories - Walk This Way
You have to walk, because unfortunately you can't use a wheelchair at several T locations, including Copley. A recent court decision may signal a step forward in making the Copley T station accessible to all T riders, including those with physical challenges.
The Neighborhood Association Of The Back Bay and The Boston Preservation Alliance sued The Federal Transit Administration and the MBTA alleging that the plan does not comply with state and federal historic preservation laws.
The decision, dated September 14, 2006, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit in Boston, agrees with the lower court's finding that the plan for the Copley T station does not violate relevant historical preservation statutes.
I'm not sure what will happen next with the case. The Plaintiffs could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Either way, hopefully this is a step in the right direction towards making the Copley T station accessible.
Comments
starrynights - I've only been a few places in California, but it was surprising to me how much everyone has to drive there.
mosilager - I like that perspective. It really makes sense. I love historical sites as much as the next person, but we do have to think about people who are here now.
nabeel - Thanks for stopping by! It sounds like Chicago has gotten it done right.
Sounds pretty rough up there!
I ride the DC Metro everyday, and dispite some of the complaints of my fellow locals - the DC metro is outstanding.
They have a really good system of shuttles, kneeling buses, elevators and spacious subway trains for wheelchairs and walkers.
Those of us, fit and healthy enough to stand and walk around unassisted don't always realize how good we have it.
Seeing the restrictions on the T does make me appreciate my mobility and good health. The station that I use has been doing repairs on the escalator for months, so I often have to run up a bunch of stairs to make the train!