Local
Orange Line trains gain faster running between Assembly and North Station
The MBTA says Orange Line trains can now travel at up to 55 mph in both directions between Assembly and North Station, a change expected to shorten trips. The agency credits track and infrastructure upgrades, but did not specify how many minutes riders will save.
Orange Line trains can now run at up to 55 mph between Assembly and North Station in both directions, the MBTA announced Sunday, a speed increase the agency says will make trips shorter for riders.
The change follows an earlier upgrade in August 2025, when trains began reaching the same top speed between Oak Grove and Assembly. Together, the changes extend the faster-running stretch south from Oak Grove toward North Station.
The MBTA attributed the latest improvement to work from its 2023–24 Track Improvement Program and more recent infrastructure projects. The agency did not provide an estimate of the time savings for passengers.
Gov. Maura Healey said the track and infrastructure investments made the higher speeds possible and said the state plans to continue improving transit service. Interim MBTA General Manager and Transportation Secretary Phillip Eng said the upgrade would give riders more time back in their day.
Eng also said the Orange Line is providing 76% more service on weekdays than it did in winter 2023. That figure reflects the agency’s comparison; the announcement did not break down the increase by train frequency or route segment.