Andrew station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services (MBTA Red Line), bus services (MBTA bus network) |
Andrew station is a rapid transit facility situated in Boston, Massachusetts, specifically at Andrew Square within South Boston. It functions as a stop on the MBTA Red Line and is integrated with the MBTA bus network. The station derives its name from John Albion Andrew and is positioned where Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester Street, Southampton Street, and Boston Street converge. Serving as a vital interchange, Andrew connects the Red Line subway with MBTA surface bus services heading into South Boston. Initially opened in 1918 and later refurbished between 1990 and 1994, the station now offers complete accessible features.
History
Andrew station commenced operations in June 1918 as the southern endpoint of the Cambridge–Dorchester line. It rapidly established itself as South Boston’s central streetcar transfer hub, taking over from Broadway. The station featured a multi-track surface streetcar area that enabled seamless transfers to the rapid transit platforms. It remained the line’s terminus until November 1927, when new stations on the Ashmont branch began service.
Over time, fare mezzanines and stairways were altered to adapt to the transition from streetcars to trackless trolleys and eventually buses. Initially, streetcars and trackless trolleys accessed the surface station via Dorchester Avenue; however, following the switch to bus service in 1962, traffic flow was reversed.
Between the inauguration of the South Shore line in 1971 and December 1988, Andrew served as the furthest south transfer location between the Ashmont and South Shore (Braintree) branches of the Red Line. Platform extensions were undertaken during the mid-1980s to support six-car trains, but significant station improvements were still necessary.
Prompted by community efforts, Andrew underwent a comprehensive renovation from 1990 through 1993. This included constructing a new bus shelter, creating underground passageways, and installing a crossover mezzanine connecting platforms. During major construction phases, night and weekend closures were implemented. The new busway was finalized in January 1994. Accessibility was enhanced through the addition of elevators.
The station houses the Andrew Station Time Capsule, an artwork by Ross Miller, consisting of 14 stainless steel containers suspended above the tracks. These boxes hold items collected during the 1993 renovation and are intended to be opened in 2068. Furthermore, an original wood-framed toll taker's booth dating back to the 1920s has been restored and is permanently exhibited within the crossover lobby.
Elevator upgrades were completed on October 18, 2019.