Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA Orange Line reached 55 mph for the first time ever, according to the T.
Commuters on the Orange Line will get to their destinations a little faster, thanks to speed restrictions being lifted by the MBTA.
"It should be exciting because it definitely helps other people get somewhere and it makes their lives much better," one local said.
The orange line was originally built to accommodate speeds up to 55 miles per hour, but track problems caused the transportation agency to lower the speed to 40. Thanks to the Track Improvement Program, the MBTA has removed 220 speed restrictions in the last two years. They also replaced 250,000 feet of railing.
The stations between Oak Grove and Assembly Station will be impacted by the changes. Gov. Maura Healey thanked the MBTA for what she called a milestone in the investment made to improve the T.
"Now, they've not only removed slow zones — they're increasing speeds," Healey said in a statement. "This means faster, smoother commutes for riders and allows them to spend more time with family and friends, cooking a meal, taking the dog for a walk, or catching a ball game."
Read More: MBTA Announces Service Changes For Aug. On Franklin/Foxboro Line
Residents like Alvin, who have maneuvered through the last two years of service disruptions, said they look forward to an easier ride.
"Hoping to see a difference. And hopefully it makes my commute better, it makes everyone's commute better," Alvin remarked.
MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said he is proud of the MBTA leadership and their continued efforts to improve the system for riders.
“Under the leadership of Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, we have focused on rebuilding our transportation network, improving quality of life for all," Eng said in a statement. "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,”
The maintenance is projected to save riders over two million minutes every weekday while also generating nearly $1 million in economic benefit.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small reports.