Track Improvement Program
The Track Improvement Program is a major track repair and replacement initiative to eliminate 191 speed restrictions, as of November 2023, and bring all tracks into a five-year state of good repair by the end of 2024. Good repair means the infrastructure is structurally sound, functional, and meets all applicable safety and performance standards.
As of June 2024, the MBTA has reduced the percentage of track under speed restriction to 8%. Additional improvements include:
- 43 minutes returned to riders
- 130 speed restrictions eliminated
- 12,973 ties replaced
- 82,796 feet of rail replaced
This program affects track infrastructure across the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines to:
- Enhance safety
- Reduce delays and disruptions
- Improve train speeds
- Deliver timely, reliable, and consistent service for riders
Rider Impacts
To improve portions of the track, we will implement some slow zones and diversions. Keep up to date on the impact to specific lines and commutes:
In addition to the resources listed above, we’ll notify riders of service changes in other ways:
Program Updates
How We Prioritize Rail Repair
Track Improvement Program repair work is prioritized on three factors: the age of the restriction, the severity of the defect, and the overall impact to riders. A speed restriction is an area in which trains are required to run at slower-than-normal speeds because of track wear and tear or other problems.
This program was created as a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) in direct response to the Federal Transit Authority’s (FTA) Safety Management Inspection. SD 22-04 CAP 8 creates a work plan focused on reducing the percentage of track under restriction across the heavy rail system. Improvement areas within the scope of this CAP include, but are not limited to, replacing rail and railroad ties as well as enhancing our track signal system.
Share Your Feedback
We will host in-person and virtual public meetings to provide an overview of projects as well as an opportunity for riders and other community members to ask questions and share feedback on the program. We’ll also be at various stations across the system to talk to riders directly.
Past Events
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
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Additional Information
Read our November 2023 Press Release
Overview of the Track Improvement Program 2023–2024 (PDF, 2.1 MB)
Speed Restrictions
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Sign Up for Service Alerts
Get service alerts via text or email.