Googly Eyes on the Tracks: Boston’s Public Transit Gets a Quirky Upgrade
In a delightful twist, the mundane routine of Boston’s public transit system has been injected with a dose of whimsy. What began as a seemingly outlandish request from two recent college graduates has materialized into a real-life scenario: the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has adorned some of its trains with googly eyes. The campaign, born from a desire to uplift commuters’ spirits and promote empathy for the "metal contraptions that transport them," has gained traction, with Bostonians sharing photos of the googly-eyed trains on social media.
Key Takeaways:
- A whimsical campaign: Two recent college graduates successfully convinced the MBTA to place googly eyes on some of its trains, aimed at improving commuters’ moods and highlighting the importance of public transit.
- From march to reality: After a march to the MBTA headquarters in April, the organizers’ request was granted, although with a safety-conscious twist – stick-on decals instead of traditional googly eyes.
- A lighthearted touch: The initiative has garnered positive attention online, fostering a sense of community and reminding everyone of the importance of bringing a smile to those around us.
- A reminder of the power of playful activism: This successful campaign demonstrates that sometimes the most outlandish ideas, when presented with passion and a touch of humor, can be embraced and create positive change.
A Campaign for Commuting Cheer
The campaign began when Arielle Lok and John Sanchez, fresh out of college, organized a march to the MBTA’s headquarters with a unique demand: put googly eyes on the trains. Their reasoning, as stated in a letter shared before the march, was rooted in a desire to humanize the system for commuters. "When T trains are delayed, people can at least look into the eyes of the train when it finally arrives, and feel some love and understanding in their hearts," they wrote.
While the MBTA initially expressed concerns about the safety risks of traditional googly eyes falling off, they were receptive to the spirit of the request. The solution? Stick-on decals. Ryan Coholan, the MBTA’s operations chief, personally oversaw the application of the first set of decals to a Green Line train in June, sparking a wave of excitement amongst riders.
A Touch of Humor, a Boost in Morale
The presence of googly eyes on the trains has sparked a buzz online. Social media platforms are now filled with pictures of the "googly-eyed" trains. Arielle Lok, co-organizer of the campaign, shared a photo of a decorated train along with an email from the MBTA confirming the success of their campaign. "Today, the @MBTA and us saw eye to eye," she wrote.
The initiative echoes a similar phenomenon in Lok’s hometown of Vancouver, where buses are adorned with red noses during the Christmas season, representing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Inspired by this festive tradition, Lok believed a similar touch of whimsy was missing from Boston’s public transit landscape.
A Case for Playful Activism
While the googly-eyed trains might seem like a trivial matter, the campaign highlights the power of playful activism. By framing their request in a lighthearted manner, Lok and Sanchez successfully engaged the MBTA, resulting in a tangible change to the commuting experience. The initiative transcends the mere aesthetic, encouraging a more empathetic and positive interaction with public transit, highlighting the role it plays in the lives of countless commuters.
The campaign also serves as a reminder that even seemingly outlandish ideas can be embraced, particularly when presented with creativity and a passion for fostering a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The success of Lok and Sanchez’s campaign underscores the possibility of creating positive change by approaching issues with a dose of humor and a desire to bring a smile to the faces of others.
The Future of Googly-Eyed Transit
While the MBTA hasn’t announced any official plans for the future of the googly-eyed trains, the positive reception they’ve received suggests a potential for a lasting impact. The fact that Coholan has six more sets of googly eyes waiting in his office indicates a willingness to embrace the fun and continue brightening the commutes of Boston residents.
The success of this campaign serves as a testament to the importance of embracing creativity and levity in everyday life, especially when it comes to public transit. The journey may be long, but the googly eyes serve as a reminder that even the most mundane aspects of our daily lives can be made a little more enjoyable with a touch of imagination.
