Good news and bad news for Boston area commuters this morning. First, the good news is the slower speed limit imposed by the MBTA on the Green Line earlier this month has been lifted, according to a release from the MBTA. The bad news, of course, is that longer commute times are still expected.
Why is the Green Line still slow?
According to the release, more targeted block speed restrictions are now in place on the Green Line, which represents about 18% of track.
Block restrictions are in place because of issues with some lengths of track. According to the MBTA, some areas have “multiple defects that need to be investigated or mitigated.” However, the agency added, “As each defect is validated and corrected as needed, the length of the block speed restriction will be reduced until the block is fully removed.”
Service Update: The full-line speed restriction on the Green Line has been lifted. Test trains confirmed that all speed signs are in place. Targeted block speed restrictions are now in effect on the Green, Red, Orange, Blue, and Mattapan Lines. https://t.co/QqbUwSiJHS
— MBTA (@MBTA) March 20, 2023
Why were there speed restrictions on the Green Line?
Back on March 10, the MBTA announced speed restrictions between 10-25 miles per hour on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines. This was after finding missing safety documentation during a site visit from the Department of Public Utilities visit of the Red Line between Ashmont and Savin Hill.
How can I find out about Green Line delays?
The internet to the rescue, says the MBTA. If you take the Green Line into work, keep planning for longer-than-normal commute times and check the MBTA’s Twitter account and website for updates. You can also subscribe to T-Alerts on your phone, which will send text messages about delays and shut downs.
Current Service https://t.co/BHUhEX67ib
— MBTA (@MBTA) March 20, 2023
🚇Subway: Block speed restrictions all lines, allow extra time
🚍Bus: Regular weekday
🚄@MBTA_CR: Regular weekday, use CharlieCard/Ticket at interchange stops
⛴️Ferry: Regular weekday
🚐RIDE: Full service
💳CharlieCard Store: T-F 8:30am–5pm
Why is the MBTA having so many issues?
The MBTA has been dealing with a long list of problems that are exacerbated by the age of the system and lack of leadership. The former general manager of the MBTA, Steve Poftak left early in 2023 and finding a new GM has been a challenge. The Boston Herald recently reported that the agency's bad reputation has hurt its recruiting efforts.
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is pushing for a new hire, reports NBC Boston, as the businesses that they represent are suffering from ridership issues and delays.
"This is about the future of the service, safety, and culture of the MBTA, and to ensure success, we must invest in hiring the best expert to lead the system forward. This is a long-term investment in a role that will stabilize and transform our T, which is for the benefit of the people of Massachusetts," said Chamber President and CEO James Rooney, reports NBC Boston. "When the administration hires the General Manager, we must ensure that this leader is successful in turning the T around, and a crucial part of ensuring success is accountability.”
And if you remember, just a little while ago, people were out running the T in a few areas, so things could definitely be better. But in the meantime we will do our best to keep you updated on new developments.