Capen Street station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | September 1930 |
| Headquarters | Milton, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | MBTA Mattapan Line service |
Capen Street station is a light rail facility situated in Milton, Massachusetts, serving the MBTA Mattapan Line. Positioned on Capen Street near Eliot Street, it stands as the westernmost among Milton’s four MBTA stops. The station features two staggered side platforms located on either side of the street's level crossing, enabling trains to halt before traversing due to the lack of a traffic signal. Access to both platforms is provided through wooden ramps. Capen Street was introduced as an infill station in September 1930.
History
The Dorchester and Milton Branch Railroad commenced operations from Neponset to in December 1847. Service terminated on August 26, 1929, coinciding with the completion of the high-speed trolley line from to by the Boston Elevated Railway (BERy). The trolley service extended to Mattapan on December 21, 1929, incorporating new stops at and .
Residents near Capen Street advocated for a station closer than Valley Road, despite the line crossing Capen Street itself. After evaluating pedestrian distances, BERy authorized the establishment of a new stop. The Boston Transit Department constructed gravel platforms measuring 12 by 100 feet, equipped with lighting. Capen Street station began operation as a flag stop in September 1930. A subsequent infill station at Butler Street opened in 1931.
On October 8, 1982, a robbery attempt took place on an inbound trolley at Capen Street; a passenger successfully disarmed the attacker.
The MBTA suspended service on June 24, 2006, to facilitate construction of a new viaduct at Ashmont and to upgrade stations. Except for , all stations received accessibility improvements including new platforms and canopies; Capen Street was fitted with wooden ramps. Operations resumed on December 22, 2007.
Future plans by the MBTA involve transitioning the Mattapan Line to contemporary light rail vehicles featuring raised platforms for seamless boarding. Capen Street along with three additional stations will be redesigned with island platform configurations. As of 2023, the projected expense for rebuilding Capen Street station is $8 million.