Fare gates line the paid entrance to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line, directing riders toward Alewife-bound service. This northbound branch terminates at Alewife, the line’s northern endpoint, and serves as a primary commuter gateway for Cambridge and the Route 2 corridor. The stainless-steel fare control equipment reflects systemwide upgrades rolled out during the 2010s to improve ADA accessibility, reliability, and compatibility with modern fare media. Above the gates, the brick-vaulted ceiling and exposed utilities reflect the durable, utilitarian architecture common to many core Boston subway stations built and expanded in the mid-20th century, prioritizing longevity and fire resistance in high-traffic underground spaces.