MBTA advances platform barrier pilot following fatal accident

A 19-year-old man, identified by family as Frankey Wright, Jr., died after falling onto the electrified third rail at the Forest Hills station in Boston. According to MBTA transit police, the incident occurred on Saturday when a young woman lost her balance on the Orange Line platform; her companion fell onto the third rail while attempting to assist her.

In response to such risks, the MBTA is moving forward with a pilot program to test platform barriers. The agency has previously investigated installing platform screen doors—glass walls with sliding doors that align with trains—to prevent passengers from unintentionally entering the track area. These systems are utilized in other transit networks, such as Montreal’s REM line.