South (Train Terminal) — Local services in Boston

I love Amtrak, but I have to be honest: this is the saddest and most disrepair-filled station I have ever encountered. Once you step off the train platform at Boston South Station, the concrete floor is cracked, and your suitcase can get stuck while exiting the train, so you must watch your step to avoid falling and getting injured.

Upon entering the station, you’ll find some nice shops, including a McDonald's for a quick bite. Unfortunately, I noticed that the place is falling apart. The bathrooms are very dirty, you can't lock the door while using the toilet the locks are broken and the walls are not clean and appear neglected.

That’s not the heartbreaking part. Imagine going on a trip and encountering so many homeless people looking for a place to sleep in such dire conditions—mentally unstable individuals sleeping on floors inside and outside the station in freezing temperatures, wrapped in sleeping bags. Some scream at store vendors and harass customers, making you feel unsafe and clinging to your belongings as if you were in a shelter surrounded by many homeless individuals acting out.

My family members and I left South Station feeling depressed, sad, and angry. This is the vibe the place gives off as you witness so many unstable people without homes and feel helpless to assist them. There are a lot of homeless individuals seeking warmth and sleeping outside in dangerously cold weather. The entrance to the elevators is often a hiding spot for those seeking refuge, and no one is there to ensure safety.

The worst part is that the security guards at this location witness the harassment and actions of some unstable individuals but simply ignore it and continue chatting with each other, showing little concern for people’s safety. Many vendors spoke to me about their complaints, stating that they are dismissed and that no one seems to care. They just stand there, talking, without addressing the issues around them.

I don’t understand why more is not being done. It is clear that Boston, MA, needs to take supervision and care for its citizens and visitors more seriously. I am saddened after visiting Boston for the first time. I enjoyed my trip to the attractions, and catching an Uber was easy, but there is a clear need to improve parking, homelessness, mental health services, and ensuring the safety of everyone. My experience at this train station was sorrowful, and we all wanted to cry seeing people in such terrible conditions even my child express his emotions witnessing people in such conditions, which ultimately overshadowed our desire to enjoy visiting Boston. This is my honest review and this was our own personal experience...

Getting off the train at South Station feels like a terrible blast from the past (think the 1980s). I dont know if they have any money because the place is cramped, dimly lit, and there's hardly any space to wait comfortably. The lack of seating or designated waiting areas leaves passengers standing awkwardly amidst the hustle and bustle, making the whole experience very uncomfortable.

Whats worse is are the bathrooms. They smell like something straight out of a horror movie like a deadly mix of blood and stale urine that hits you in the nose as soon as you walk in. It's a clear sign of neglect and a lack of proper maintenance. And while the station workers do their best to keep things running smoothly, they can only do so much to control the chaos caused by homeless people that loiter.

I have witnessed so many delays and disruptions all because of homeless exhibiting erratic behavior, like the time the bathroom line was held up because a homeless person covered with blood and holes on their head was throwing their body against the stall walls, completely incoherent. It's infuriating to see taxpayers' hard-earned money go to waste on a facility that fails to meet even the most basic standards of cleanliness and safety. In 2024, with all the resources available, there's is no excuse for such appalling conditions. Bostonians and Americans in general deserve so much better – it's time for the authorities to step up and address...

What I really enjoy about the east coast is the convenience of travel. My journey began in Chelsea and within approximately 30 minutes I was at the South Station. Immediately I remembered being there in the past when Beyoncé was having a concert in a nearby venue. (….. this insert has nothing to do with this review other than typing Beyoncé will automatically add the accent.) There were specific tracks designated for trains to the venue. Now I’ve never been to a Beyoncé concert, but the amount of people that were in South Station that day was astonishing. Women of all ages. Ladies of all sizes. Queens from different backgrounds. They all appeared excited to be in route to see a historical performance from one of the greatest female artists to grace a microphone. I’m sure they were just as appreciative as I was witnessing the designated trains to the performance. South Station is fairly easy to navigate. There are visible signs everywhere informing passengers of their whereabouts. For those traveling by Amtrak, in addtion to the digital display of train statuses, frequent announcements are made about when and where to board. I will always remember South Station because I just so happened to be in Boston the day Beyoncé...