Orange Line trains between Oak Grove and Assembly can now reach 55 mph after infrastructure improvements and the elimination of speed restrictions. More than 20 years of MBTA records show trains never reached these speeds despite the corridor being designed for 55 mph; prior declines in track infrastructure had lowered the limit to 40 mph. Between 2023 and 2024 the Track Improvement program replaced over 250,000 feet of rail and removed more than 220 speed restrictions. MBTA leadership thanked riders for patience during service diversions. The higher speeds are expected to shorten commutes and provide smoother service for riders.
Commuters on the Orange Line can expect faster travel on select portions of the line as of Sunday, with the trains now able reach 55 mph due to infrastructure improvements, MBTA officials announced Monday, Orange Line trains traveling between Oak Grove and Assembly Station are now able to reach 55 mph, when previously, the maximum speed on the line was capped at 40 mph for safety reasons, the T said.
According to the MBTA, the change marks the first time the Orange Line has been documented reaching 55 mph. More than 20 years of records indicate that Orange Line trains never reached "speeds this fast" even though the stretch between Assembly and Oak Grove was originally designed for 55 mph. Declining track infrastructure prompted the lowering of the limit to 40 mph. Speed restrictions were eliminated on the Orange Line in 2024.
"This milestone is a result of our investments in the T's efforts to hire more workers and fix the tracks," she said. "Now, they've not only removed slow zones - they're increasing speeds. 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."
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