Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — New crash-prevention technology is coming to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line.
On Tuesday, the MBTA board approved a $113 million contract with Piper Networks to install the Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS). At a MBTA Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, MBTA General Manager Philip Eng said the first phase is expected to be completed “by the end of this year.”
“This is a system that is needed for us to ensure safety to give our operators the opportunity to be more successful,” said Eng.
Phase one is to install a warning system for the MBTA operators, which will provide audible and visual alarms for speed violations and impending collisions. According to Eng, phase two includes installing an automatic braking system, but that technology will only be installed on newer trains in the fleet.
At Lechmere station on Wednesday, riders were happy to hear about the new investment, especially in the wake of a Green Line crash earlier in February in Somerville.
“I think that’s great. I think this is an important area that government funds can go towards,” said Katie.
“All the derailments, even the crash that happened a couple of weeks ago, that was just crazy to me that they just collided like that,” said Alyssa. “Anything to make it safer.”
The GLTPS project is expected to be completed in June 2028.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.