BOSTON – Slow zones on the T are no more. The last slow zones were removed from the Green Line on Friday.
MBTA slow zones end
The MBTA’s massive slow zone removal plan was completed as parts of the Green Line reopened. After more than a year of detours, shuttle buses and closures, the MBTA said all train lines should return to full speed.
“I think it’s great,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We have collectively given the riders back, we estimate, about 2 million minutes per day. That is what the riders got back, so a huge honor for Phil Eng and the team at the T.”
An annual plan
In November 2023, Eng promised that the work to ensure the slow zones would be completed by the end of 2024. At the time there were 191 for various security reasons. At one point many said walking was faster than taking the T.
The plan required 188 days of service interruptions to complete the work, with closures on all four lines ranging from four days to 21 days. Over the next 14 months, the MBTA eliminated slow zones on the Orange and Blue lines, then the red line and finished with the green line.
The future of the MBTA
Eng said the slow zones and shutdowns were the result “Years of disinvestment in our system”, and included track, power and station improvements. Improvements also include new Green Line trains, contactless paymentsand a MBTA app.
The MBTA said riders may see sporadic slow zones to address regular wear and tear, but said the massive overhaul is over. Eng has said the 2025 goals include maintaining tracks, signaling on the Red and Orange Lines and improving rail lines. accessibility of stations.
