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Medford council asks MBTA, Keolis to cut nighttime lights, announcements at West Medford station
Summary
After residents reported frequent automated announcements and very bright lighting from the new West Medford commuter-rail platform, the Medford City Council on April 9 approved a resolution asking Keolis and the MBTA to reduce sound and light levels, especially during non-peak hours.
The Medford City Council voted April 9 to submit a resolution to Keolis and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority asking the operators to reduce lighting levels and the frequency and volume of automated announcements at the newly installed West Medford Commuter Rail platform, after multiple residents testified that noise and bright lights were disrupting sleep and outdoor living.
Council President Barris said the rapid installation of the platform surprised both the city and neighbors and that residents had reported announcements and bright lighting “at least reported to be happening all night sometimes.”
The resolution asks Keolis and the MBTA to cut light output and to reduce announcement frequency and volume during non-peak hours and to work with the city to identify mitigation measures. Councilors cited complaints from nearby residents and flagged difficulties coordinating with state transportation agencies.
Neighbors who live adjacent to the platform described repeated automated messages and high-intensity lighting. Libby Brown, a nearby resident, told the council, “There was absolutely no outreach to us… We made multiple requests to the MBTA to ask what’s going on. We see work, and we were ignored,” and added that the lighting was “blinding lights into our rooms.”
Resident Adam Sotino said announcements had run in the early morning: “It was a 30 second message that was going 24 hours a day… it was at 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.” Another neighbor who checked light levels told the council the platforms were far brighter than typical guidance: “They recommend 5 to 10 foot candles for ramps and platforms… I bought a light meter, it’s 35 to 50 foot candles is the average,” the resident said.
Councilors acknowledged the value of the accessibility improvements to the station while stressing that outreach to neighbors should have occurred before construction and that simple adjustments — lowering lights and silencing announcements overnight — appear feasible. Councilor Lozaro said the ADA upgrades were welcome but that “the least we can ask is that they turn off the announcements in the middle of the night, the lights be turned down.”
The council passed the resolution by voice vote and directed the city administration to transmit it to Keolis and the MBTA and to use the resolution in city communications with state agencies. The resolution did not set specific technical standards; it asks the operators to propose changes and to meet with the city and affected residents.
Officials and residents asked the council to seek a written response from Keolis and the MBTA and to press for a durable fix in coordination with relevant state agencies.
A public-works referral was not required; the council transmitted the resolution directly to the operator and the mayor’s office for follow-up.
