Forest Hills station (MBTA)

Forest Hills station (MBTA)
Name	Forest Hills
Type	MBTA Rapid transit and Commuter rail station
Style	MBTA
Address	Washington Street & Hyde Park Avenue, Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts
Coordinates	42, 18, 1, N...
Line	Orange Line, Commuter Rail (Needham)
Platform	2 island platforms (Orange Line), 1 side platform (Commuter Rail)
Tracks	4 (Orange Line), 1 (Commuter Rail)
Parking	1,000 spaces
Bicycle	20 spaces
Opened	22 November 1909 (Elevated), 04 May 1987 (modern station)
Rebuilt	1979–1987
Code	Forest Hills (Amtrak)
Other services header	Former services
Other services	Arborway (streetcar), Everett (streetcar)

Forest Hills station (MBTA) is a major multimodal transportation hub located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It serves as the southern terminus of the MBTA Orange Line and a key stop on the Commuter Rail's Needham Line. The station complex, which includes a large park-and-ride facility, is a critical transfer point for MBTA bus routes and provides access to the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park.

History

The station's history began with the opening of the Elevated Railway's Washington Street Elevated on November 22, 1909, connecting Dudley Square to this location. It was originally a terminal for several streetcar lines, including services to Arborway and Everett. The station was substantially rebuilt between 1979 and 1987 as part of the Southwest Corridor project, which relocated the Orange Line from the elevated structure to a new underground alignment and created the adjacent Southwest Corridor Park. This massive public works project also involved the Penn Central and Amtrak rail lines.

Station layout

The modern station is built on two main levels. The upper level contains the headhouse with fare control, busways, and the main entrance adjacent to the Arboretum Gateway Center. The lower transit level features two island platforms serving the four tracks of the Orange Line, with the southernmost tracks used for layovers. A separate, at-grade side platform serves the single track of the Needham Line on the Providence main line, which is used by Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional services. The design incorporates public art, including the iconic *Untitled* sculpture by John Raimondi.

Services and connections

As a terminal, all Orange Line trains originate and terminate here, providing direct service to Downtown Boston, North Station, and Oak Grove. The Needham Line offers Commuter rail service to Needham Junction, Roslindale Village, and Back Bay. The station is a major bus hub, with key routes including the 39 to Back Bay Station, the 16 to Andrew Station, and the 32 to Wolcott Square. Over 1,000 park-and-ride spaces are available.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Access features include elevators from the street and busway to the fare concourse and down to the Orange Line platforms, tactile warning strips, and accessible fare gates. The Commuter rail platform is also at-grade with minimal gap for boarding.

In popular culture

The station and its historic elevated structure have appeared in several films, notably serving as a backdrop in *The Thomas Crown Affair* (1999). The surrounding Jamaica Plain area, including the Arnold Arboretum, is frequently referenced in local literature and music. The station's distinct architecture is a recognizable landmark in the city.

Future developments

Long-term plans within the MBTA's Focus40 program have studied potential extension of the Orange Line or restoration of streetcar service along the Arborway corridor. Improvements to bus facilities and pedestrian access to the Southwest Corridor Park are also under consideration. The station's role may evolve with regional transit proposals like the Urban Ring Project.

Category:MBTA Orange Line stations Category:Railway stations in Boston Category:Railway stations opened in 1909 Category:Jamaica Plain