Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 160, § 2

The duties imposed by this chapter upon county commissioners as a tribunal of original jurisdiction relative to the fixing of routes or to the location, construction, maintenance and operation of railroads shall, in Boston, unless it is otherwise expressly provided, devolve upon the city council of said city. The duties imposed upon the county commissioners by reference or appeal from the board of aldermen shall, in cases arising in Boston, devolve upon the department.