MBTA Orange Line Reaches 55 MPH After Track Work

BOSTON - As of August 24, the MBTA's Orange Line is now able to reach 55 mph on select portions for the first time.

According to the MBTA, this affects stations between Oak Grove and Assembly Station. Previously, the maximum speed was 40 mph for safety due to the state of the track infrastructure. As RT&S has reported, the work completed as part of the Track Improvement Program allowed the MBTA to replace 250,000 feet of rail across its system and remove more than 220 speed restrictions.

“Under the leadership of Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll we have focused on rebuilding our transportation network, improving quality of life for all. In 2024 we eliminated speed restrictions and restored maximum allowable speed for the entire Orange Line and now are ready to further shorten trip times giving our riders back even more precious time,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “I’m proud of the MBTA leadership team and our invaluable workforce for their commitment to continuously improve our system for our riders.  And I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the public for their patience during diversions that allow for service improvements such as this. We’ve only just begun.”