Red Line Transformation Program
As part of the Capital Transformation Program, the Red Line Transformation (RLT) is improving the quality of service for the T’s most popular line.
The RLT program will help increase service frequency, improve reliability, and enhance operations. This program will also support the expansion of Red Line fleet, which will increase train capacity and rider comfort. 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 RLT Projects
| Project | Location | Status | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Red Line Signal Upgrades | Location | Systemwide | Status | In progress |
| Project | New Red Line Vehicles | Location | Systemwide | Status | In progress |
| Project | Cabot Yard and Maintenance Facility | Location | Cabot Yard | Status | In progress |
| Project | Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements | Location | Codman Yard | Status | In progress |
| Project | Alewife Crossover Improvements | Location | Between Alewife and Davis Stations | Status | In progress |
| Project | Red Line Test Track | Location | Cabot Yard | Status | Complete |
Be Part of the Red Line Transformation
We’d like to hear what you think would make the Red Line more comfortable, accessible, enjoyable, and easy to use.
Tell us what you thinkRLT Levels of Transformation
The Red Line Transformation portfolio of projects is aligned by multiple Levels of Transformation, including:
Red Line Signal Upgrades
The analog signal system on the Red Line will be fully replaced with new, digital infrastructure.
Contract awarded: November 2018
Projected completion: Fall 2024
Budget: $217 million (total value for Red Line and Orange Line signal upgrades)
Status: 55% complete
From March 4 – 5 and 25 – 26, shuttles will replace Red Line trains between Harvard and JFK/UMass stations. This will allow crews to test upgraded Red Line signals.
New Red Line Vehicles
The Red Line fleet will be entirely replaced with modern, more efficient, more spacious vehicles by 2024.
Contract awarded: 2014
Projected completion: 2024
Budget: $1 billion (total value for Red Line and Orange Line new vehicles)
Status: One new train added to the fleet; more in production
Red Line Test Track
The Red Line test track and vehicle commissioning facility were formally completed in December 2021. These improvements provide a dedicated area with a connection to Cabot Yard to commission the future Red Line fleet.
Contract awarded: November 2017
Budget: $22 million
Status: Completed December 2021
Cabot Yard and Maintenance Facility
Cabot Yard, the facility in South Boston where we store and care for Red Line vehicles each day, will be fully upgraded for safer, more efficient maintenance.
Contract awarded: August 2018
Projected completion: Summer 2023
Budget: $214 million
Status: 32% complete
Alewife Crossover Improvements
We’re reconstructing the track crossing between Alewife and Davis stations on the Red Line to allow for increased operating speed. This will improve reliability and support our goal of three-minute headways.
- Design contract awarded: July 2019
- Anticipated construction start: Spring 2022
- Projected completion: Fall 2022
- Budget: $12M
- Status: Long lead material procurement and inspection underway
RLT 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 Red Line Transformation team at RLT@mbta.com.
To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the RLT project hotline at 617-222-3050.
Sign Up for Red Line Transformation Updates
To get project news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Related Projects
2022 Year in Review
As 2022 comes to an end, we’re looking back at the accomplishments the Green Line, Orange Line, and Red Line Transformation teams achieved this year.
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.
Recent Updates
2022 Year in Review
As 2022 comes to an end, we’re looking back at the accomplishments the Green Line, Orange Line, and Red Line Transformation teams achieved this year.