Cleveland Circle station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1889 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Products | Light rail transit services |
Cleveland Circle station functions as a Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Green Line light rail stop situated within Boston's Brighton district, specifically at the Cleveland Circle location. It acts as the western endpoint of the C branch and features full accessibility, including elevated platforms designed for low-floor light rail vehicles.
History
The Beacon Street streetcar route began operations in 1889; following 1896, the majority of streetcars continued through Cleveland Circle to Lake Street, while some concluded their routes at the Chestnut Hill Carhouse, later known as Reservoir Carhouse. A waiting area was once housed in a rented building on the southeast corner of Cleveland Circle but was destroyed by fire in 1897.
By 1915, service was shortened to terminate at Reservoir, located at the Reservoir Carhouse. Around 1947, the terminal was renamed Cleveland Circle to differentiate it from the nearby commuter rail Reservoir station, which itself became a streetcar stop twelve years afterward. Although the traffic circle no longer exists, the station continues to carry its original name.
In the early 2000s, the MBTA undertook upgrades at several surface stops by installing raised platforms to enhance accessibility. Temporary portable lifts were introduced at Cleveland Circle around 2000. Platform renovations, part of a $32 million initiative covering thirteen stations across the B, C, and E branches, were finalized by 2003. On May 2, 2007, a wooden mini-high platform was constructed on the outbound side to facilitate level boarding for older Type 7 LRVs; this addition was implemented as part of a legal agreement to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. The ramp was removed in July 2020 during track reconstruction work.
In February 2024, the MBTA revealed plans to replace current platforms with an extended island platform that will stretch eastward across Ayr Road, aiming to further improve accessibility and operational performance.