Approval by Boston transportation agencies of an $18.3-billion capital investment plan for fiscal years 2020 to 2024—$1 billion more than the prior plan—should provide hope in the wake of two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority derailments causing rider anger and frustration over ongoing delays.
The five-year plan earmarks $1.58 billion for Red Line/Orange Line improvements, including investments for replacing and expanding the line’s fleets and upgrading related facilities and infrastructure; $640.6 million for Red Line bridges, track, signals and stations, and $1.3 billion for the estimated $2.2-billion Green Line Extension project, according to a June 17 announcement by the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation.