Let's Take the Train to Boston from Lowell...Wait Until You See the Changes

In spring, there were several local Facebook friends discussing how much they wanted to take the train to Boston but didn't know how to do it or they had a lot of questions. Fortunately, I have been in quite a few times this year and have enough photos from previous years to show you the changes.

First, you can get to the station by driving, walking, riding a bike (they have a huge rack), or taking one of the many buses. Parking is $8.00. The fare is $10.50 for seniors, round trip, and $21.00 for all others. No idea about children. You can pay the fee from a conductor on the train. If you have any questions, go to the MBTA website at www.mbta.com.

Waiting room, above. The area for the buses is below.

The schedules are on the wall, but you can also get them online. This one is for weekends. Notice the two-hour timeframe.

First, you walk up or down some stairs to reach the overpass enclosed walkway. Then walk down some stairs. They do have an elevator.

The above and below pictures would be nicer if the windows weren't so filthy.

Walk to the concourse. It can be a pretty long walk.

The concourse can be almost empty or packed with people, especially when the Celtics, Bruins, a top singer, or a special event has the floor.

Don't worry about these ticket kiosks yet. I finally found out what they were for this past Friday (last photo explains the reason).

To get to the trolley lines you go to the left (almost to the end) and you'll reach the closed doors as shown below. No more crossing the street. It is all undergrown.

Currently, there are plenty of these signs to take you to the shuttle bus. This is temporary and you need to be aware. In a few weeks, I assume the trolleys will be back to normal.

This is the entrance to the Orange and Green lines. There is just tape across the entrance, no signs with an explanation. When I was there, I felt so sorry for some tourists.

If you continue going out of the building you will see this eatery. I usually cut right through it to Causeway Street. This is one of several exits.

Another exit will bring you to this spot.

Three years ago, there was a major change to the entire exterior front of the North Station complex. See below.

2019 As you can see, the huge parking lot is gone.

April 2022

Looking out at Causeway Street. and the Custom House in the distance.

So getting back to what you saw before the two trolleys closed for repairs.

When you are able to take the two trolleys, these pictures give you an idea of what you will see.

There is a nice map, and a lot of walking, as you can see.

I went to Boston two Fridays in a row, and I was really happy to chat with the contractor at the station the other day. He explained what these machines are for. These machines are going you enclose the concourse on the three sides, not where the trains are. Only people with paid tickets will use these entrances to get to their trains. No more relaxing or loitering.

So what did I do on these trips? If curious here is my next post. https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2022/09/to-copps-hill-burying-ground-cemetery.html