This week, T riders who have ever pondered the transit agency’s history should keep
their eyes peeled for some new “CuriosiTy” cards inside subway cars and
buses.
That’s because the cards will offer passengers inside information on why the red line is red, who built the world’s widest
underwater tunnel in 1904, and how many miles MBTA trains and buses
travel each day.
“Public transit in Boston has a rich history,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “We try hard to keep our customers up to date with the latest technology like mobile apps, mobile ticketing and our new countdown clocks; this CuriosiTy Campaign is a fun way to remind our customers that we’ve always had this innovative spirit.”
The CuriosiTy Campaign is part of the T’s 115th Anniversary Year
celebration that has included the opening of the Charlie Card Store in
Downtown Crossing, the T’s official birthday marked on September 1st and
the first appearance of ‘Charlie’ the mascot.
“Our customers are very engaged and knowledgeable about our present services,” said MBTA Acting General Manager Jonathan Davis in a statement. “We hope transporting them back in time to the start of service in 1897 and some big milestones in between will brighten their trip.”
All the CuriosiTy facts were researched by Christopher Lynch, a member of the MassDOT Performance Management and Innovation Team, according to a T spokesman.
More facts about the MBTA and MassDOT’s history are available at facebook.com/massdotinfo.
