Politicians, MBTA officials and local representatives joined on Friday, May 9 to celebrate the new accessible platforms at the Wellesley Square commuter rail station.

Mini-high platforms with ramps went into operation on both tracks in February, making it possible for people of all abilities to board and disembark trains.

Some in town have been working toward this goal for around a decade (we’ve been writing about it since at least 2018). It was announced this past summer that $500,000 in federal accessibility funding secured by Congresswoman Katherine Clark would make completion of the $3M project early this year a reality.

Downpours forced the ribbon cutting inside. Among those on hand was MBTA Assistant General Manager for Systemwide Accessibility Laura Brelsford, who was recognized for her leadership on the project.

Wellesley’s William Fahey, a commuter who uses a wheelchair, double dipped by cutting ribbons both inside Town Hall and again on one of the train platforms.