Harvard (MBTA Station) - Station Layout

Station Layout

One of the most complex subway stations of the MBTA system, Harvard has two side platforms built on two levels, with outbound trains running on the upper level and inbound trains on the lower level. Like all other Red Line stations apart from Wollaston, Harvard is wheelchair accessible.

Because the subway tunnel was tightly constrained to follow Massachusetts Avenue, which makes a sharp, near-right-angle turn at Harvard Square, all Red Line trains must negotiate the curve at slow speed, accompanied by loud squeals from the wheels and rails. The sharp turn is immediately at the inbound end of the station platforms.

Above and slightly offset from the subway platforms are the Harvard Bus Tunnels, which offer passengers underground weather-protected connections to buses and trackless trolleys. To expedite passenger boarding through a left-side door, some trackless trolleys allow free entry for outbound trips, collecting fare upon later passenger exit from the vehicle. For security reasons, often during weekends or other low-volume periods, the lower bus tunnel is shut down and passengers must board using the upper bus tunnel, or outside the station proper. In addition, certain bus routes are not normally routed through the Harvard Bus Tunnel at any time.