MBTA Considers Plan to Increase Capacity on Heavily Used Red Line

MBTA wants to replace dozens of old cars with new ones

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is considering a plan it says could increase capacity by 50 percent on the heavily used Red Line.

Instead of refurbishing 86 older cars, the MBTA wants to replace them with all new ones. They also want to buy extra cars to add to the line.

The plan was presented to the MBTA's fiscal control board on Tuesday.

Some riders necn talked to think it's a good idea.

"Anything to get more people on the train faster, better service, over all is a positive thing," said one rider.

While this is just the planning phase, Gov. Charlie Baker is for making improvements a reality for the old rail system.

"The number of cars you could move through the system during rush hour, that's a really important and significant opportunity and it's one we are going to give consideration to," Baker said.

Some commuters said they would like to see the improvements but will believe it when they see it.

"Fixing up a bridge takes about five to 10 years, so I wonder what this expansion will look like," said another rider.

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