During its August Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced that Orange Line trains will be able to reach 55 mph on select portions of the line starting August 24, 2025. The new increased speeds impact stations between Oak Grove and Assembly Station.
According to an agency release, the previous maximum speed on the Orange Line was 40 MPH. The segment between Assembly and Oak Grove was initially designed for 55 MPH, but as track infrastructure declined, speeds were lowered for safety reasons.
This is the first time it has been documented that the Orange Line reached 55 mph.
"General Manager Eng and his team are continuing to deliver for MBTA riders. This milestone is a result of our investments in the T's efforts to hire more workers and fix the tracks. Now, they've not only removed slow zones — they're increasing speeds," said Governor Maura Healey. "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."
"We are in a moment where long-awaited investments in public transportation are becoming real for the people we serve," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "From fare-free service on our Regional Transit Authorities, to grants supporting micro-mobility, to expanded MBTA service this fall, and more reliable trips on the Orange Line, we are delivering on our promise. It has taken hundreds of millions of dollars and an aggressive, strategic approach to infrastructure to get here. We are reaching new heights by introducing new vehicles, replacing track, modernizing signals, and investing in the people who make our system run."
"Under the leadership of Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, we have focused on rebuilding our transportation network and improving the quality of life for all. In 2024, we eliminated speed restrictions and restored maximum allowable speed for the entire Orange Line, and now we 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."
As part of the Track Improvement Program (2023 – 2024), the MBTA removed more than 220 speed restrictions and replaced 250,000 feet of rail across the system, saving riders 2.4 million minutes every weekday and generating nearly $1 million in economic benefit every day. Regular maintenance has been ongoing to continuously improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the MBTA's rail network.
