Tufts Medical Center (MBTA station)

Tufts Medical Center (MBTA station) is a rapid transit station in Boston, Massachusetts, serving the Orange Line and the Silver Line (Washington Street) bus rapid transit route. Located in the Chinatown and Theater District neighborhoods, it provides direct access to the Tufts Medical Center complex and surrounding institutions. The station opened in 1987 as part of the Southwest Corridor project and was significantly renovated in the early 21st century to improve accessibility and integrate Silver Line services.

History

The station was constructed as part of the major Southwest Corridor project, which relocated the Orange Line from an elevated alignment to a new subway route through Roxbury and the South End. It opened on May 4, 1987, replacing the former New England Medical Center elevated station, which had served the Atlantic Avenue Elevated and later the Washington Street Elevated. Originally named **New England Medical Center**, the station was renamed in 2010 to reflect the rebranding of the adjacent hospital to Tufts Medical Center. From its opening until 2004, the station's lower level also served the Green Line's Boylston Street portal as part of the Green Line's Tremont Street subway service, which was rerouted after the opening of the Silver Line Waterfront tunnel.

Station layout

The station consists of two distinct levels within a deep concrete box structure. The upper level contains the two side platforms for the Orange Line, located approximately 60 feet below street level, which are served by two tracks. The lower level, opened in 2002, hosts the two side platforms for the Silver Line (Washington Street) bus rapid transit route, which operates in a dedicated transitway. A central fare concourse at Washington Street and Oak Street provides access to both levels via elevators and escalators. The 2019–2021 renovation project modernized finishes, lighting, and wayfinding signage throughout the facility.

Accessibility

Tufts Medical Center station is fully accessible, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The station's renovation, completed in 2021, included the installation of new elevators connecting the street, concourse, Orange Line, and Silver Line platform levels. Tactile warning strips are present on all platform edges, and accessible fare gates are located in the main lobby. The station is a key accessible transfer point between rapid transit and bus rapid transit services in downtown Boston.

Services and connections

The station is served by the Orange Line, providing frequent service to northern terminals such as Oak Grove and southern terminals including Forest Hills. The Silver Line (Washington Street) SL4 and SL5 routes offer bus rapid transit connections to Dudley Square and Downtown Crossing. Several MBTA bus routes stop nearby, including the 11, 43, and 55. The station is within walking distance of Chinatown station on the Orange Line and Silver Line Waterfront, and Boylston station on the Green Line.

Nearby points of interest

The station's primary namesake is the adjacent Tufts Medical Center, a major academic medical center affiliated with Tufts University. It is also steps from the Chinatown neighborhood, the Theater District, and the Boston Common. Other notable institutions include the Wang Theatre, the Emerson College campus, and the Suffolk County Courthouse. The station provides direct access to the Tufts University School of Medicine and several major biomedical research facilities in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area.

Category:MBTA Orange Line stations Category:MBTA Silver Line stations Category:Rapid transit stations in Boston, Massachusetts Category:Railway stations opened in 1987 Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Chinatown, Boston