The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor accessibility upgrades at Franklin Station on the MBTA's Franklin/Foxboro Commuter Rail line.

The project ensures all riders can now experience stair-free, level boarding, a critical improvement from the station's previous platform, which required stairs to board trains. The station officially reopened in March 2025. 

"I am proud of the teams across MBTA for continuing to deliver these projects, making it easier for everyone to use Commuter Rail," said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are committed to delivering meaningful projects like this one in Franklin. There are more commuter rail stations accessible today than ever in MBTA history, and we're not done yet."

MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan also noted installation of new lighting, signage, electronic message boards with audio, a new canopy, tactile warning strips, benches, and trash receptacles.

"We also repaved the parking lot and relocated the accessible spaces right next to the ramp, significantly increasing the number of spaces from three to seven," Coholan said.

"In line with the vision of the MBTA Communities Law and HLC's mission, these improvements to the Franklin Commuter Rail station increase accessibility, livability, and the possibility of building transit-oriented housing that can accommodate the Massachusetts residents who need it," said Ed Augustus, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.  

"I moved to this community because of access to two train stations," said State Representative Jeffrey Roy. "One was here when I moved here, and the second was on its way. We very much embrace it."

To achieve stair-free, level boarding, the MBTA pursued an innovative solution by designing and installing a freestanding mini-high platform on top of the original infrastructure.