Governor Healey and MBTA General Manager Eng celebrated a significant milestone in Massachusetts' public transportation system with the completion of a comprehensive track improvement program. This initiative, aimed at addressing longstanding issues with slow zones caused by aging infrastructure, marks a pivotal step toward enhancing the reliability and safety of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
During the meeting, Governor Healey expressed her admiration for the work accomplished over the past year, highlighting the importance of restoring the tracks to optimal condition. "So many of these slow zones were happening repeatedly because of the old infrastructure," she noted, emphasizing the dedication of the teams involved in the project.
The track improvements are just one part of a broader strategy to modernize the MBTA. Eng outlined plans to upgrade signals, power systems, and rolling stock, particularly focusing on the Red Line, which operates some of the oldest train cars in the country. "We are focused on delivering the Red Line and Orange Line signal upgrades by early 2026, before the World Cup," he stated, underscoring the urgency of these enhancements.
The signal work, which has already begun, was previously delayed but is now being accelerated. Eng assured that the MBTA is committed to maintaining and improving all aspects of the transit system, including stations and power systems, to ensure a reliable and safe experience for riders.
As improvements unfold, both Healey and Eng conveyed a clear message to the public: riders can expect to see daily enhancements in the system's reliability. This commitment to modernization is set to transform the MBTA into a more efficient and dependable transit option for Massachusetts residents.