There are only four speed restrictions along Greater Boston’s entire subway system, the MBTA said Tuesday. Suspending service on two stretches of the red line between Boston and Quincy between Nov. 5 and Sunday ended five of the last nine safety-based restrictions that have been throttling commutes and frustrating riders since March 2023, when the red line had more than 100 trouble areas; the green line had 65; the orange line had 40; and the blue line had 10 (which sounds small but affected 77 percent of its track).
The transit agency said nearly 9,500 feet of rail has been replaced since then and a variety of other improvements made at the same time, including power and signal work such as cable replacement and repairs and refurbishments at stations – painting and power washing, steel and concrete work and installation of new signs, MBTA deputy press secretary Lisa Battiston said.
The news was followed Wednesday with the announced return of “hands-on” subway line managers, which a press release called an effort to “maintain the visual appearance and upkeep of subway stations systemwide.”
“Stations are the gateway to our system and they are integral to the communities that we serve,” MBTA leader Phillip Eng said, with the goal of “making our stations cleaner, safer and more welcoming.”
Eng, a New York transplant, brought with him from the Long Island Rail Road his new chief of stations and facilities, Dennis Varley. He will oversee managers Amanda Bright for the red line, Jaleesa Turner for the green line and Mike Brunache for the orange line, the three that serve Cambridge and Somerville directly.
A Wednesday strategic plan update said that among Eng’s accomplishments in the past year were reaching agreements with all 28 transport unions, exceeding annual hiring goals and the securing of more than $616 million in federal grant funds.
Next up are the modernization of the North Station Drawbridge; a South Coast Rail project for connections between southeastern Massachusetts and Boston; and the electrification of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.