State (MBTA station)

State (MBTA station) is a major underground subway station located at the intersection of State Street and Washington Street in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is a key transfer point between the Blue Line and the Orange Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system. The station serves the city's financial district and government center, providing direct access to numerous historic sites, commercial hubs, and government buildings.

History

The station's history is intertwined with the early development of Boston's subway network, originally operated by the Boston Elevated Railway. The Blue Line platform, then serving the East Boston Tunnel line, opened on December 30, 1904, as part of the second phase of the Tremont Street subway. The Orange Line platform, serving the Washington Street Tunnel, opened on November 30, 1908, creating the initial transfer point. In 1924, the Blue Line platforms were relocated to their current position to accommodate the line's extension to Bowdoin. A major reconstruction in 1967 relocated the Orange Line platform to align with the new Haymarket North Extension project. The station also historically served the Green Line until the Government Center station renovation in 2004 rerouted those trains. A comprehensive accessibility renovation from 2004 to 2007 added elevators and modernized finishes.

Station layout

State station consists of two distinct, stacked levels deep beneath the street grid. The upper level serves the Orange Line with a single central island platform between two tracks. The lower level serves the Blue Line with two side platforms, one for each direction. The two levels are connected by a network of corridors, stairways, and a bank of elevators installed during the 2000s renovation. The main entrance is located within the State Street block, with additional entrances and passageways historically connecting to the now-closed Sears Crescent building and the former Filene's department store.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible following the major renovation project completed in 2007. Elevators provide direct access from the street entrance on State Street down to both the Orange Line and Blue Line platform levels. All platform edges are equipped with detectable warning strips, and tactile guidance paths are installed within the fare concourse. The station's modernization was part of a system-wide effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Connections

As a central hub, State station offers connections to numerous MBTA bus routes along nearby State Street, Washington Street, and Court Street. These include key routes like the 4, 92, 93, and 111. The station is also a short walk from the Aquarium station on the Blue Line and the Downtown Crossing station, which provides transfers to the Red Line. A Bluebikes station is located directly outside the main entrance for bicycle connections.

Nearby points of interest

The station's location in the heart of downtown Boston places it within walking distance of many significant landmarks. These include the Old State House, the Boston Massacre site, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall. It also provides direct access to the city's financial district, encompassing the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Boston Stock Exchange, and numerous corporate headquarters. Government buildings such as Boston City Hall, the John F. Kennedy Federal Building, and the Suffolk County Courthouse are also nearby.

Category:MBTA Blue Line stations Category:MBTA Orange Line stations Category:Railway stations in Boston, Massachusetts Category:Railway stations opened in 1904 Category:1904 establishments in Massachusetts