Despite Governor Michael Dukakis’s opposition, the MBTA stop formerly known as South Station has been renamed The Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station.

In a ceremony on Monday, Gov. Deval Patrick and MBTA leaders officially renamed the stop after Dukakis and called it a “fitting tribute.’’

Dukakis’s support of public transportation could most easily be seen in his everyday life, as he regularly rode the Green Line to work. The self-described “rail romantic’’ even admitted he took public transportation to get to the ceremony on Monday.

Still, Dukakis said he didn’t approve of the renaming and doesn’t think it will catch on.


“I was opposed to this,’’ he said. “I’m not a fan of naming buildings for politicians.’’

A plaque posted outside South Station describes Dukakis as “a tireless supporter of public transportation.’’

The plaque honoring former Governor Michael S. Dukakis is already on display outside South Station. pic.twitter.com/Qi00jkD8Mk — Nicole Dungca (@ndungca) November 10, 2014

Now outside (Dukakis) South Station pic.twitter.com/fKlxLQaSQf — Michael Sangalang (@MikeSangBoston) November 4, 2014

The plans to rename the station were approved by state legislative leaders in early 2014 and were a surprise to The Duke, he said at the time.

“I’m honored and flattered,’’ Dukakis said, “but nobody told me about it.’’