The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently installed “moving eyes” on five of its trains in response to public requests.
“After receiving suggestions from the public, our team found a safe way to install these ‘moving’ eyes on a limited number of cars — five to be exact — as part of our ongoing effort to bring joy to our riders’ daily commutes,” Joe Pesaturo, MBTA public affairs director, told Fox News Digital in an email on Friday, June 28.
The new addition to the train is one of many “creative ways” to do so. The MBTA Pesaturo said the move is to improve passenger experience.
The station also noted that it “plays music in stations and provides narration for children.”
“We hope that these initiatives, combined with the dedicated work of our transport ambassadors and the hard work of our staff to upgrade our infrastructure, will continue to be a source of community connection and brighten someone’s day,” he said.
The moving eyes are currently installed on some MBTA Green Line and commuter rail trains.
The idea to add a highly unusual addition to MBTA trains came from Massachusetts residents and MBTA riders John Sanchez and Ariel Locke.
On April 29, Locke and Sanchez organized a “march calling for moving eyes to be installed on the front of MBTA trains,” according to a blog post on Locke’s website summarizing the event on April 30.
“The vision is to add some fun to the daily commute. That’s the sole purpose of the landmark. There are no hidden messages or hidden messages behind it. We just want to put a moving landmark on the T,” she said.
In an email sent to Fox News Digital, Locke called the installation of the moving eyeball “the best news we’ve ever received in an email.”
“I’m excited that there’s a way to safely apply the eyes,” she said.
Roque added, “It’s incredible to see this become a reality!”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Roque for further comment on the success of the campaign to put moving eyes on trains.
According to the MBTA’s website, the MBTA’s transportation network includes subways, light rail, commuter rail, buses, and ferry lines.
According to the MBTA, in 1897 the Tremont Street Subway became North America’s first subway tunnel.
The tunnel is still in use as of 2024, connecting the Government Center, Park Street, and Boylston stations.
