MBTA Leader in Public Transit Derailments
The MBTA has more derailments than any other transit system in the U.S.
Image by Unsplash
Boston's public transportation system, known as the MBTA, faces a significant challenge: it tops the list of derailments in the United States. Despite recent efforts to modernize its tracks and equipment, an analysis reveals that aging infrastructure and human error continue to affect its safety and reliability, raising concerns among passengers and federal regulators.
According to data collected by the Boston Globeand, the system recorded more than 100 derailments between 2020 and 2024, more than in other major cities such as New York and San Francisco.
Old Infrastructure and Intensive Maintenance
One of the main factors behind MBTA derailments is the state of its infrastructure. For decades, the system's tracks and equipment were neglected, leading to significant deterioration.
In 2024, the MBTA reported 41 maintenance vehicle derailments, a high number that officials attribute to an ambitious track repair program. They explain that these incidents are related to efforts to overhaul a long-ignored system, although they acknowledge that much room for improvement remains.
Speeding
In the last year, 66 speeding citations were issued to MBTA operators, especially on the Green Line, where pressure to meet schedules has led some drivers to exceed the speed limit. Incidents such as the derailment that occurred on October 2024 in Cambridge—when a train was traveling at 36 mph in a 10 mph zone—highlight this problem.
Impact on Passengers and MBTA Response
Although many of these incidents involved maintenance vehicles rather than passenger trains, the intensive use of such vehicles during the extensive 2024 repairs significantly contributed to the derailments. These incidents disrupted service, caused delays, bus substitutions, and a frustrating experience for riders.
Financial Challenges and the Future of the MBTA
MBTA officials have promised to seriously address these issues. Measures are being implemented, such as the installation of collision avoidance technology on the Green Line, a $1.4 billion project approved in February 2025.
The MBTA faces a budget shortfall of 1T4T7 billion and estimates that 1T4T25 billion is needed to fully renew its infrastructure. Governor Maura Healey has proposed a 1T4T1.4 billion investment, but it still needs approval from the state legislature.
A Call to Action
The MBTA is at a crossroads. Although recent improvements have sped up travel times, frequent derailments threaten to undermine public confidence. It is critical that authorities prioritize safety and long-term investment. Experts warn that without sustained investment and a strong safety culture, public confidence in the MBTA could continue to deteriorate.
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