MBTA Lifts Orange Line Speed Restrictions as Agency Reports Red Line Delays and Commuter Rail Incident

Riders on the MBTA Orange Line are experiencing faster trips following track improvements along the corridor, according to local news reports. Both CBS News and YouTube reported that the MBTA lifted speed restrictions on Orange Line trains in Boston, while Boston 25 News reported that the transit agency is increasing speeds on parts of the Orange Line after completing track improvements. According to The Boston Globe, the MBTA stated that Orange Line trains are now running faster north of North Station.

With the speed restrictions lifted, trains on the line can now reach speeds of 55 mph on a stretch running from Boston to Somerville, NBC Boston reported. Boston.com also reported that the MBTA said Orange Line trains can now travel up to 55 mph north of North Station.

While Orange Line speeds have increased after the track work, the MBTA Commuter Rail experienced incidents involving equipment along the tracks. WCVB reported that a construction vehicle was struck by a Commuter Rail train in Boston. In addition, both Boston 25 News and Yahoo reported that an MBTA commuter rail train clipped a boom lift.

Elsewhere across the transit network, riders waiting for new equipment on the Red Line face a setback. According to a report from Boston's ROCK 92.9, the MBTA said that new Red Line cars will miss their 2027 arrival deadline. Meanwhile, the transit agency is evaluating new ways to manage birds at its stops, with WHDH reporting that the MBTA is considering using trained falcons to scare pigeons away from stations. Looking ahead to Nov. 7, Streetsblog Massachusetts reported that the MBTA will run a special Rails and Trails excursion train to Newburyport.