A More Entertaining Transit Hub

In an effort to improve the visitor experience and boost business, operators of a busy transit hub in Boston are bringing in performers and various activities to entertain people waiting and convince others to linger longer.

1 minute read

July 19, 2011, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Boston's South Station is already a highly used space, but operators hope to make it more appealing for those who rely on it as a transit hub.

"Imagine a South Station with live music almost every day, along with performances by theater troupes, art exhibits, and a white-tablecloth restaurant, all while 100,000 people a day rush - or sometimes wait - to catch a train or bus.

That is the new vision of Equity Office, the company that holds a 30-year lease for the commercial space in South Station. The firm hopes to invigorate the grand concourse and entice people like DuVal to linger and spend money.

'We looked at it and said this is one of the best indoor spaces in Boston,' said John Conley, vice president of asset management for Equity Office. 'But the station is underutilized. We asked how could we take this terrific space and really enliven it.'"

Monday, July 18, 2011 in The Boston Globe

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