Boston MBTA Emergency Communications Upgrade
A gap in Boston's Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority communication system is being addressed. A two phase upgrade will increase MBTA terrorism and disaster preparedness many fold, allowing first responders and dispatchers the ability to communicate above and below ground.
As it stands now, in order to communicate between above ground and below ground positions, emergency communications must be relayed among dispatchers of several different agencies. Should an underground emergency occur, communications may be compromised somewhere along the way.
The upgrade will enhance emergency radio communications within MBTA tunnels and be a great aid for Boston disaster emergency preparedness.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Executive Office of Public Safety, and the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness a funding agreement for improvement on the emergency communications infrastructure in the MBTA’s underground stations and tunnels has been agreed upon.
The 18-month project will expand and provide enhanced emergency radio communications within and between the surface, tunnels, subways, and underground stations for a variety of emergency services including:
- Boston Emergency Medical Service
- Boston Fire Department
- Boston Police Departments
- The MetroFire Regional Fire Network
- BAPERN - the Boston Area Police Emergency Radio Network
- Cambridge Fire Department
- Cambridge Police Departments
- Somerville Fire Department
- Somerville Police Department
- Massachusetts State Police
See Emergency Communications To Be Significantly Enhanced
