Every so often I lift my head up while slogging to my spot at the Wellesley Square commuter rail station and actually notice what’s new.

For example, do you know that Crest Road building that provides a grungy broken window and graffiti-covered backdrop for the inbound platform? The one that makes the suits heading from Wellesley into Boston look at least a little bad-ass? Well, the building has been partially cleaned up.

Crest Road graffiti

But perhaps more eye-catching are these shiny new green-and-blue trash receptacles with solar panels on top. Turns out these additions, which will feature passenger messaging, are part of a $25M “station brightening” effort on the part of commuter rail operator Keolis and its partner, the MBTA.

“This station brightening and revitalization program goes beyond regular maintenance to deliver improvements to every station in the network depending on need,” according to Keolis. “This work includes power-washing, landscaping, painting, seal-coating, construction and the installation of new LED lights and digital information displays. While we continue to work with the MBTA on further improving service, these in-station benefits will deliver immediate and noticeable benefits to the customer experience.”