BOSTON – The MBTA is launching a new official app to help travelers track their trains and buses as they prepare to end speed limits on public transit.
MBTA app
The new mobile app called “MBTA Go” is now available in the Apple Store. A version for Android users is scheduled for release in February.
The “first of its kind” app for the MBTA provides real-time updates to passengers and shows estimated arrival times for trains and buses. It also tells users how long it will take to reach their destination.
“Now you can use this app to find out where the trains are, you can see them in the system,” MBTA Director Phil Eng said Thursday during the MBTA Board of Directors meeting. “You can also see if there are any problems.”
Slow zones ending on the red line
The MBTA sees fewer “problems” these days. compared to last year. Eng emphasized that by September 2023, one-third of the system will have speed limits. Now that figure is below 1%.
The MBTA has already eliminated the slow zones on the Blue and Orange lines. The Red Line will run shuttles between the Harvard and Broadway stations through November 24, while track work is done to eliminate the rest of the slow zones.
“We are in the final part of the circuit improvement program,” said Eng, who promised as much last year remove all speed limits by the end of 2024. “Come Monday morning when we reopen the Red Line, that Red Line will be restriction-free from end to end.
Eng said this is believed to be the first time in more than 15 years that the Red Line will not have speed limits. Two remaining slow zones on the Green line It is expected that these will be removed in December.
MBTA plans for 2025
For 2025, Eng says the focus is on “making sure we don’t fall behind on our track program.” Other goals include carrying out signaling work on the Red and Orange Lines and improving them accessibility of stations.
“While there will be some interruptions necessary to continue the work, it will not be at the level we had this year,” he said.
