A year-long project that upgraded rail infrastructure and equipment has resulted in faster trips on all rail lines.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) undertaking to eliminate “slow zones,” known as the Track Improvement Program, has led to an impressive increase in the speed of trips on the Red Line, reports Will Katcher for Mass Transit.
“On the line’s Ashmont branch, the average southbound ride lasts about 40 minutes end-to-end. Rewind to October 2023, and the same trip took nearly half an hour longer.” On the Braintree branch, riders traveling end to end save about 24 minutes a day.
Every line in the system is now traveling faster than in October 2023. “State officials said the repairs collectively save riders 2.4 million minutes every weekday. They estimated the economic benefit to Massachusetts to be nearly $1 million each day.”
In 2025, the agency will be working on replacing aging signal systems and making stations more accessible.
FULL STORY: MA: The MBTA is slow zone free. How much faster are trains running?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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