Boston University West station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | November 15, 2021 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Boston University campus, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Products | Green Line B branch service |
Amory Street station serves as a light rail stop on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line B branch, positioned within the median of Commonwealth Avenue on the western side of the Boston University campus. This accessible facility comprises two side platforms that accommodate the dual tracks of the line, with entry points situated at both Amory Street and Saint Paul Street.
Streetcar operations along Commonwealth Avenue commenced in 1896, initially operated by the West End Street Railway. The line experienced several changes in management before becoming designated as the Green Line B branch during the 1960s. Historically, there were separate stops at Boston University West (Amory Street) and Saint Paul Street. In 2014, plans were initiated to merge these into one fully accessible station as part of a broader stop consolidation effort. Construction for Amory Street station, alongside the nearby Babcock Street station, began in February 2021, with both stations officially opening on November 15, 2021.
Station layout
Situated in the median of Commonwealth Avenue between Saint Paul Street and Amory Street, Amory Street station is adjacent to the buildings of the Boston University College of Fine Arts and College of General Studies. The station features two accessible side platforms, each approximately long, serving the B branch’s two tracks. These platforms are centrally located within a block about long and are connected via pathways to a grade crossing at Saint Paul Street and a pedestrian crossing at Amory Street. Each platform includes a canopy roughly long, distinguished by wavy panels in vibrant colors on both sides.
Streetcar service
The West End Street Railway introduced streetcar service along the median of Commonwealth Avenue in the mid-1890s, launching operations between Governors Square and on May 18, 1896. That same year, service extended to Nonantum Square, and by November 8, 1897, streetcars began utilizing the Tremont Street subway. Following this, on October 1, 1897, the Boston Elevated Railway (BERy) leased the West End Street Railway, further expanding transit coverage. New track segments connecting Chestnut Hill Avenue to Brighton Avenue opened on May 26, 1900, facilitating direct travel from Lake Street to downtown via Commonwealth Avenue. The Nonantum Square line was lengthened to reach Watertown Yard in 1912, establishing a service pattern that remained consistent for many years.
In 1947, the BERy was succeeded by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), which itself was replaced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in 1964. The MBTA rebranded existing streetcar lines as the Green Line in 1965; by 1967, the Watertown route was identified as the Green Line A branch, while Lake Street became known as the B branch. Service on the A branch ceased on June 21, 1969, leaving only the B branch operating along Commonwealth Avenue. By 1972, small-platform stops were located just east of Amory Street (later renamed Boston University West) and just west of Saint Paul Street, spaced approximately apart.
As part of the MBTA's public art initiative, six newly designed station signs featuring artwork by Boston University College of Fine Arts alumnus Andy Bell were installed at Boston University West in 2010. Prior to this, in 2006, signage showcased "Open Space," a cloud-themed exhibition created by undergraduate Seth Gadsden. Both projects resulted from collaborations between the MBTA and BU's College of Fine Arts, which is situated adjacent to the station.
Halt to Station Consolidation
In 2014, the MBTA intended to merge four non-accessible stops near Boston University's West Campus—namely Boston University West, Saint Paul Street, Pleasant Street, and Babcock Street—into two fully accessible stations as part of enhancements along Commonwealth Avenue between the Boston University Bridge and Packard's Corner. The plan involved combining Boston University West and Saint Paul Street into a single station located between Amory Street and Saint Paul Street. However, the project was postponed pending the completion of other roadway improvements.[1]
On March 23, 2020, the MBTA awarded a contract worth $17.8 million, with construction slated to begin in February 2021 and conclude by early 2022. This schedule included night and weekend bus substitutions throughout much of 2021.[2][3] In February 2021, the new consolidated stop was officially named Amory Street, replacing the former Boston University West and Saint Paul Street stations.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name To support platform and canopy installation, rail service was substituted with bus service between Washington Street and Kenmore from April through June 2021.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Following service on November 12, 2021, Boston University West and Saint Paul Street stations were closed; the Amory Street station commenced operations on November 15.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Additionally, Boston University arranged to relocate Andy Bell's artworks to other locations on campus.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name