Whimsical googly eyes add playfulness to Boston subway trains

Subway riders in Boston are now participating in their very own real-life version of "Where's Waldo?" as they scan the railway lines for subway trains adorned with googly eye decals on their fronts. These lighthearted embellishments are aimed at bringing a smile to the faces of commuters during their daily journeys, SSP reported.

Phillip Eng, General Manager and CEO of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shared that a group of transit enthusiasts approached the agency with an unconventional request to attach googly eyes to the trains. At the MBTA headquarters, the group even delivered a package containing their creative proposal.

Eng admitted that upon seeing the idea, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, recognizing the potential for some lightheartedness. The MBTA, responsible for overseeing the nation's oldest subway system along with commuter rail, buses, and ferry services, weathered significant safety concerns in recent years that prompted a federal review and corrective measures. Additionally, issues such as slow zones, delayed vehicle deliveries, and shortages in staff plagued the agency, although steps are being taken to improve these areas.

In the interests of passenger safety, instead of using plastic googly eyes that could potentially detach and cause injury, the MBTA opted for decals. These decals not only add a touch of personality but also provide the trains with an endearing and jaunty expression.

Currently, the MBTA has affixed these playful decals to only five trains, including four on the Green Line subway and one on a commuter rail line. Eng likens the experience of spotting these eye-catching decorations to searching for Waldo, creating an element of interactive fun for the riders.

"We all had a good laugh seeing this idea become reality," Eng mentioned. "Not only did it bring joy to our staff, but it also allowed our passengers to experience a bit of fun during their time with our services."

By introducing these googly eyes to their train fleet, the MBTA seeks to uplift passengers' spirits while they navigate the subway system, fostering a sense of enjoyment and light-heartedness throughout their commutes.