Red Line Transformation Program
2015 – 2022
As part of our $8 billion, 5-year capital investment program that began July 1, 2018, we're rebuilding the Red Line.
This work, including signal upgrades, a new test track and vehicle testing facility, and an upgraded yard and maintenance facility, will result in faster, more comfortable trips on the Red Line, as well as less crowding on platforms and in stations.
It will also support the all-new, expanded Red Line fleet of 252 modern, spacious vehicles, ensuring that an additional 65,000 riders per day can take the Red Line.
Contracts have been awarded for the following projects as part of this initiative:
- Red Line signal upgrades: Design started in 2019
- New Red Line vehicles: Vehicles ready for buildout in Springfield, MA in summer 2019
- Red Line test track: Scheduled to be complete by winter 2020
- Cabot Yard Maintenance Facility: Work began in summer 2019
Building a Better T
As part of our $8 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.
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: January 2022
Budget: $217 million (total value for Red Line and Orange Line signal upgrades)
Status: Preliminary design has been completed. Intermediate system design is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of January 2020.
New Red Line Vehicles
The Red Line fleet will be entirely replaced with modern, more efficient, more spacious vehicles by 2023.
Contract awarded: 2014
Projected completion: 2023
Budget: $1 billion (total value for Red Line and Orange Line new vehicles)
Status: Red Line pilot cars delivered to Cabot Yard in fall 2019; 6 car shells delivered to Springfield, where pre-assembly work has begun
Red Line Test Track
The existing Red Line test track and third rail were fully replaced in the summer of 2019 for easier, faster testing of new Red Line vehicles. Work is ongoing on the new vehicle testing facility.
Contract awarded: November 2017
Projected completion: Winter 2020
Budget: $21 million
Status: 88% completed as of November 2019
Cabot Yard and Maintenance Facility
Cabot Yard, the facility where we store and care for Red Line vehicles each day, will be fully replaced for safer, more efficient maintenance.
Contract awarded: August 2018
Projected completion: Fall 2022
Budget: $213 million
Status: 13% complete as of November 2019
Photo Gallery
Rendering of a new Red Line car
Map of Cabot Yard and Cabot Maintenance Facility improvements
Cabot Maintenance Facility: Planned improvements, including a maintenance platform, car wash, paint booth, wheel truing machine, and cranes. Rendering by designer on record.
New test track in South Boston: Vehicle Testing Facility Foundation (September 2018).
New test track in South Boston: Installation of a retaining wall (September 2018).
New test track in South Boston: New Sub Ballast for new lead Track from Cabot Yard (September 2018).
Recent Updates
Contact Information
For all queries and comments related to Red Line Improvement Program, please contact RedOrangeLineProgram@MBTA.com.
Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $8 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.