BOSTON — Subway riders in Boston are playing their own game of “Where’s Waldo?” But instead of searching for a cartoon character with a red and white striped top, they’re on the lookout for subway trains with googly eye decals attached to the front.
The head of transit service said the whimsical decals are attached to a handful of trains and meant to bring a smile to riders’ faces.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said a small group of what he described as transit enthusiasts approached the agency with the unusual request to install the eyes on trains. The group even dropped off a package of plastic googly eyes at the MBTA’s headquarters in Boston.
“When I saw it it made me laugh,” Eng said. “I thought we could do something like that to have some fun.”
The MBTA, which oversees the nation’s oldest subway system as well as commuter rail, bus and ferry service, has come under intense scrutiny in recent years for a series of safety issues that led to a federal review and orders to fix the problem.
It has also been plagued by slow zones, the delayed delivery of new vehicles and understaffing, although T officials say the slow zones are gradually being lifted.
Instead of plastic googly eyes, which Eng feared could come loose and fly off, injuring riders, the MBTA went with decals, giving a jaunty facial expression to the trains.
The agency has affixed them to just five trains — four on the MBTA’s Green Line and one commuter rail line.
“When we chatted about it, it would be like finding Waldo,” he said. “It gave us all a chance to have a laugh and for the people who use our service to have some fun.”
Boston subway trains have recently undergone a quirky transformation, with the addition of googly eyes to their exteriors. This unexpected and playful touch has caught the attention of commuters and passersby alike, sparking curiosity and amusement.
The googly eyes, which are small plastic discs with a moving black pupil, have been strategically placed on the front of the trains, giving them a whimsical and cartoonish appearance. The eyes seem to follow you as the train moves along the tracks, adding a sense of personality to the otherwise mundane transportation system.
The idea to decorate the trains with googly eyes was the brainchild of a local artist who goes by the name “Eye Spy.” According to Eye Spy, the goal of this project is to bring a smile to people’s faces and inject some fun into their daily commute. The artist believes that adding a touch of humor and creativity to public spaces can help foster a sense of community and connection among city residents.
The response to the googly eyes on the subway trains has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people taking to social media to share photos and videos of the quirky decorations. Commuters have reported feeling a sense of delight and surprise when they spot the googly eyes on their daily commute, with some even going out of their way to ride on the decorated trains.
While some may see this as a frivolous or silly endeavor, others view it as a welcome break from the monotony of city life. In a bustling metropolis like Boston, where people are constantly on the move and often consumed by the stresses of daily life, a small dose of whimsy can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
The googly eyes on the Boston subway trains serve as a reminder that art and creativity can be found in unexpected places, and that even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of imagination. So next time you find yourself riding on one of these googly-eyed trains, take a moment to appreciate the playful spirit behind this unique art installation and let yourself be swept away by the magic of the city.
