Orange Line Transformation Program
As part of the Capital Transformation Program, the Orange Line Transformation (OLT) is upgrading the 120-year-old rapid transit line serving the communities of Malden, Medford, Somerville, and Boston.
The OLT Program will result in faster, more comfortable trips, as well as less crowding. The program will also support the expansion of the Orange Line fleet, which will create space for 30,000 more riders per day. Achieving this requires major upgrades to train yards, maintenance facilities, testing facilities, signals, and power systems.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
All OLT Projects
| Project | Location | Status | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Orange Line Signal Upgrades | Location | Systemwide | Status | In progress |
| Project | New Orange Line Vehicles | Location | Systemwide | Status | In progress |
| Project | Wellington Vehicle Maintenance Facility Updates | Location | Wellington VMF | Status | In progress |
| Project | Orange Line Traction Power Substation Upgrades | Location | Oak Grove, Malden Center, Wellington, Sullivan Square | Status | In progress |
| Project | Wellington Yard Updates | Location | Wellington Yard | Status | Complete |
| Project | Orange Line Track and Signal Upgrades (2022) | Location | Systemwide | Status | Complete |
| Project | Test Track Rehabilitation | Location | Malden Center to Community College | Status | Complete |
| Project | Storage Track Expansion | Location | Wellington Yard | Status | Complete |
Be Part of the Orange Line Transformation
We’d like to hear what you think would make the Orange Line more comfortable, accessible, enjoyable, and easy to use.
Tell us what you thinkOLT Levels of Transformation
The Orange Line Transformation portfolio of projects is aligned by multiple Levels of Transformation, including:
Orange Line Signal Upgrades
The analog signal system on the Orange Line will be fully replaced with new, digital infrastructure.
- Contract awarded: November 2018
- Projected completion: Fall 2027
- Budget: $285 million (total value for Orange Line and Red Line signal upgrades)
- Status: 30% complete
New Orange Line Vehicles
The Orange Line fleet will be entirely replaced with modern, more efficient, more spacious vehicles.
- Contract awarded: 2014
- Projected completion: Revised schedules are being developed.
- Budget: $1 billion (total value for Orange Line and Red Line new vehicles)
- Status: In progress
Orange Line Traction Power Substation Upgrades
We’re upgrading four Orange Line Traction Power Substations (TPS) with new facilities and equipment. The upgraded substations will support the new fleet of Orange Line vehicles for the next 25 years.
- Contract awarded: Spring 2015
- Projected completion: Summer 2027
- Budget: $68 million
- Status: 78% complete
Test Track Rehabilitation
We rehabilitated the 12,000 TF Orange Line test track, which included replacing degraded ties, running rail and fasteners, installing new third-rail heater infrastructure, and resurfacing and alignment. This project was completed in summer 2018, allowing dynamic high-speed testing of the new vehicles without service disruptions.
Storage Track Expansion
We expanded the storage tracks at Wellington Yard, which included constructing 4,000 TF of new track with 13 turnouts, signals, and traction power infrastructure. This project was completed in spring 2019, providing storage for the new Orange Line vehicles.
OLT Program Updates
Learn more about what we've been working on each week.
Public Meetings and Presentations
Learn more about how we’re engaging with the public and the MBTA Board as this program progresses.
Past Events
Recent Updates
Contact Us
For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com.
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Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.