Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Major Upgrades at Kendall/MIT Station

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today joined the MBTA, BXP, MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCO), the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and local leaders to celebrate the completion of major improvements at Kendall/MIT Station on the Red Line and highlight how partnerships between the public and private sectors are helping to modernize the MBTA and strengthen Massachusetts' economy. 

Serving one of the world's leading innovation districts, Kendall/MIT Station connects thousands of workers, students, researchers and visitors to jobs, businesses and educational opportunities every day. 

The renovated station entrances provide riders with safer, more accessible and modern access to one of the busiest transit stations in Massachusetts. The project was made possible through a partnership between the MBTA, MIT, BXP and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can improve transportation infrastructure while supporting continued economic growth. 

"Every day, thousands of people rely on Kendall/MIT Station to get to work, class, medical appointments and home to their families," said Governor Maura Healey. "These improvements will make those trips safer, more reliable, and will create a better experience for everyone who passes through this station. This project shows what's possible when government, businesses and community partners work together to invest in modern transportation infrastructure that supports housing, jobs and economic growth. We're grateful to MIT, BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the MBTA for their partnership in making these improvements possible." 

"Kendall Square is one of the world's leading centers of innovation, and it deserves a transit system that reflects that," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These improvements make it easier for people to get where they need to go while strengthening one of Massachusetts' most important economic engines. This partnership is a great example of how we can work together to deliver better infrastructure and stronger communities." 

The improvements include fully renovated inbound and outbound station entrances with new elevators, escalators, stairways and upgraded public spaces, making the station easier to access for riders of all abilities. 

“I want to thank MIT and BXP for partnering with the MBTA to renovate the inbound and outbound headhouses at Kendall/MIT Station. These headhouses are the front door to Kendall Square and the front door to the MBTA system for everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits,”said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we look forward to building on successes like Kendall Square and fostering more partnerships and transit-oriented development throughout the MBTA system, because when transit thrives, communities and entire regions thrive.” 

"Strong economic districts are built on great public infrastructure," said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. "The Red Line is essential to Cambridge, and it is wonderful to see such a beautiful investment in the infrastructure they rely on every day. With a second elevator, improved entrances, and a rooftop open to the public, we have made the Kendall/MIT Station more accessible, more comfortable, and more reflective of the innovative square it serves. The City of Cambridge thanks Governor Healey and our partners at the MBTA, BXP, and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for an investment that strengthens both daily life and long-term opportunity in Cambridge." 

The outbound entrance, funded by BXP in coordination with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, opened in April 2026 and features a new glass entrance, renovated stairs, an escalator, second street-level elevator, and publicly accessible rooftop patio. 

"The Kendall/MIT Headhouse is an investment in both infrastructure and community," said Jeff Lowenberg, Senior Vice President of Development, BXP. “We're proud to have partnered with the Commonwealth and our local stakeholders to deliver a project that enhances connectivity, improves the public realm, and supports Kendall Square's continued growth as one of the world's leading innovation districts”.   

“The beautiful, new accessible Red Line head houses at Kendall/MIT are a terrific way to welcome the world to the most innovative square mile on the planet,” said Beth O’Neill Maloney, Executive Director, Kendall Square Association. “In Kendall Square we are committed to improving human health and the health of the planet. Whether you cross the Longfellow Bridge from Boston or ride across Cambridge, you will step from the T into the heart of our innovation ecosystem at work plus restaurants, green spaces, public art, the MIT Museum, the Fab Foundation, and so much more.” 

The inbound entrance, funded by MIT Investment Management Company, includes a redesigned station lobby, improved lighting, new public and employee restrooms and other accessibility and customer experience upgrades. 

The Kendall/MIT improvements are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader effort to modernize the MBTA and encourage transit-oriented development that creates housing, jobs and economic opportunity near public transportation. 

Since 2020, private development has contributed more than $440 million in improvements to MBTA infrastructure, including approximately $60 million invested at Kendall/MIT Station. During that same period, more than 10,000 new housing units have been built on or adjacent to MBTA property, helping connect more residents to reliable public transportation. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also made significant progress improving MBTA service and reliability. Since completing the Track Improvement Program, the MBTA has eliminated over 220 speed restrictions across the system including the Red Line. These improvements have saved riders an average of 2.4 million minutes every weekday across the Red Line and beyond. Additionally, nearly 13,000 railroad ties were replaced and more than 250,000 feet of rail. Building on that milestone the MBTA increased maximum operating speeds on the Red Line's Braintree Branch from 40 mph to 50 mph where conditions allowed in March 2025.  

Statements of Support 

Senator DiDomenico (D-Everett), Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate:  

“Public transportation provides enormous economic opportunity for residents of all income backgrounds, and these new headhouses will improve access to a key subway line for our community’s residents. It is a proud day when we invest in public transit so we can show that government can provide high quality and beautiful infrastructure that can be enjoyed by everyone. I want to thank Governor Healey, and the MBTA for their leadership on expanding public transportation for people in my district and across the region.” 

Representative Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge): 

“I am proud to celebrate the grand opening of the new headhouses at the Kendall/MIT Station. This is the latest step forward for the Red Line, building on the progress we’ve made in eliminating slow zones and rebuilding track infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to work with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and GM Eng to deliver the fast, reliable transit system our constituents deserve.” 

Representative Majority Decker (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Committee on Public Health: 

“It’s great to see more investments in our MBTA infrastructure. It’s always a day to celebrate when we reinvest in our public transit system.” 

Kate Dineen, President & CEO, A Better City: 

"Under Governor Healey’s leadership, the MBTA continues to make and marshal the strategic investments necessary to modernize the Red Line and broader transit network. Today’s milestone is a testament to the power of public-private partnership, combining vision and a shared commitment to the community. Congratulations to the MBTA, the City of Cambridge, BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and the MIT community for delivering a space that not only enhances accessibility but also creates a vibrant, inclusive transit gateway to the heart of Kendall Square." 

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