South Station Renamed In Honor Of Former Gov. Dukakis

Boston's South Station has been renamed to honor former Gov. Michael Dukakis, who has long been an advocate for public transportation.

The station, which Gov. Dukakis oversaw a complete overhaul of in the 1980s, will now be known as the Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station.

Dukakis admitted during a ceremony Monday he was not in favor of the move and doesn't think the name will catch on, but says he is thankful for the honor.

"How many different names have we had for the Boston Garden? It's still the Boston Garden. But I really am very grateful," Dukakis said.

State lawmakers voted earlier this year to rename the station in honor of Dukakis, who was known for taking the T to work during his time in office.

Dukakis, now 80, was governor 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991. He was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988, losing to George H.W. Bush.

During his tenure, in addition to the South Station renovation, the Red and Orange lines expanded and the MBTA acquired most of its Eastern Massachusetts rail lines.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom.

Now outside (Dukakis) South Station pic.twitter.com/fKlxLQaSQf

— Michael Sangalang (@MikeSangBoston) November 4, 2014