T taps rail power to put stations in a new light

There is power in those rails, and the MBTA is starting to harness it to ensure light and safety if T subway stations go dark.

Currently, when power goes out at Park Street, Downtown Crossing, Government Center, or nine other downtown stations that have only a single source of normal AC power, T officials are forced to close them, resulting in lost revenue, inconvenience to customers, and dark and unsafe exits to the street.

Trains, however, run on separate DC power, so if NStar power goes out, the subway can still roll. The T is also one of the only transit agencies in the nation with a backup system for rail power via two jet engines at the L Street utility plant in South Boston.

The change came about when the T began renovating stations for the new automated fare collection system.

Fire codes required that the T add an alternative source of power and exit lights to stations with a single source.

As a result, the T is tapping the power of the tracks over the next two years, a $2.8 million project that will bring continuous light to 16 stations, even when the electricity goes out.

The new lighting, which already has been installed in Haymarket and Symphony stations, also adds a constant source of light to otherwise dimly lit stations.

Once installed, the lights will be on at all times, adding extra brightness to the stations, and giving them the look and feel of being more friendly and open, Daniel A. Grabauskas, the general manager of the MBTA, said yesterday.

"If it's a good idea, we don't want to wait . . . to make what is a relatively easy fix that will have a large impact for our customers," he said. "Tapping into the DC power is a natural for us."