MBTA to increase Red Line speeds between North Quincy and JFK

The MBTA will soon increase Red Line train speeds to 50 miles per hour on the stretch between North Quincy and JFK. This move, announced by MBTA General Manager and Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng, aims to shorten travel times for commuters traveling from JFK to Braintree.

This speed increase follows previous improvements on the Braintree Branch, which reached 50 mph in March 2025. Additionally, the MBTA reported higher top speeds on the Orange Line, with trains now capable of traveling up to 55 mph between Assembly Station and North Station. Eng attributed these improvements to track repairs, modernized signaling, and the elimination of speed restrictions.

According to MBTA data, weekday trip volumes have grown significantly compared to 2023 levels, increasing by 76% on the Orange Line and 42% on the Red Line.