In a festive atmosphere at the Massachusetts State House, Governor Maura Healey and MBTA General Manager Phil Ng celebrated a significant milestone: the elimination of all slow zones on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system for the first time in over two decades. The announcement, framed as a "Christmas miracle," marks a pivotal moment for commuters across the state, promising safer, faster, and more reliable travel.

Governor Healey expressed her gratitude to the dedicated MBTA workforce, emphasizing the impact of improved transit on the daily lives of millions. "Slow zones are no longer the Grinch that stole Christmas and commutes," she declared, highlighting the importance of this achievement in restoring riders' faith in public transportation. The governor's commitment to expedite the removal of slow zones was met with enthusiasm, as she noted that the previous plan would have taken years to complete.

General Manager Ng echoed the governor's sentiments, acknowledging the hard work of the MBTA team and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including labor unions and local leaders. He presented commemorative hard hats to celebrate the completion of the track improvement program, which not only enhances travel efficiency but also prioritizes safety for riders. "This is a huge accomplishment for the workforce," Ng stated, reinforcing the notion that the MBTA is now better equipped to serve the community.

The event also featured remarks from federal officials, including FTA Chief Safety Officer Joe Di Lorenzo, who praised the partnership between the MBTA and federal agencies in achieving this goal. Di Lorenzo emphasized that the elimination of slow zones is a crucial step toward enhancing safety and efficiency within the transit system.

As the celebration unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism for the future of the MBTA. Union leaders expressed their pride in the agency's progress and the collaborative spirit fostered under Governor Healey's administration. The completion of the track improvement program is seen as a foundation for further enhancements, with a commitment to maintaining and improving the system for generations to come.

In closing, Governor Healey urged riders to return to the MBTA, acknowledging the frustrations of the past but expressing confidence in the agency's renewed focus on service and reliability. "We’re going to do everything every day to continue to improve public transit," she assured, wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. The event not only marked a significant achievement for the MBTA but also set a hopeful tone for the future of public transportation in Massachusetts.