This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
10/24/2025
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation last week approved $850 million in state transportation funds for safety and reliability upgrades across the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority system, including light rail, subway and commuter rail, as well as non-rail transit services.
Yesterday, MBTA's board approved the receipt of the funding.
MBTA will use the funding to upgrade outdated systems, such as the light rail Green Line signal system and train cars, replace old locomotives and construct maintenance facilities. The funding will also support accessibility upgrades and backlogged repairs, MBTA officials said in a press release.
Among rail projects that will be funded is first phase of the Widett Regional Rail Layover Facility, which entails full demolition and remediation of existing structures on a 24-acre site where a new facility will be built. When completed by 2028, the facility will consist of six electrified tracks to support electrified train service, MBTA officials said.
The state funding comes from Massachusetts' "Fair Share" taxes on high-income households. By increasing the state's tax revenue, Massachusetts can also borrow more funding from bond investors for its commonwealth transportation fund, which finances the MBTA and pays down state transportation debts.