Right of Way (ROW) Safety
The MBTA Right of Way (ROW) consists of all tracks where our trains and authorized rail equipment operate, including ten feet from the center of track in any direction. The ROW also includes sidings and yards, where trains and construction equipment are stored.
Anyone who needs to access the ROW is required to take training comprised of an online pre-requisite course and an 8-hour in-person class, divided into a classroom lecture and a practical component, in order to receive a ROW Certification Card with a RAC sticker. This includes all employees, contractors, and anyone else who is requesting ROW access for any reason.
All requirements for ROW certification page can be found on the ROW Safety Training page.
The MBTA's work in the following areas is essential for the safety of personnel and riders on the ROW.
FTA Safety Management Inspection Response
FTA Special Directive 22-04
During their Safety Management Inspection (SMI), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued Special Directive (SD) 22-04, which included findings and required actions related to safety on the ROW.
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
The MBTA developed CAPs to address deficiencies in PPE and ROW safety, correct defective track conditions, and address management practices that impact track repair. CAPs are made up of action items at different stages of progress:
- Not yet submitted: The action item has not been completed.
- Under FTA review: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA is reviewing the MBTA's submission.
- Resubmissions in progress: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA requested additional information from the MBTA.
- Submissions accepted by the FTA: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA accepted the MBTA’s submission.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 1 issued a new, consistent PPE policy and began distributing new equipment to employees. | Status | Complete Read the FTA's closure letter (September 8, 2023) |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 2 develops new PPE compliance inspection forms. | Status | In progress |
Tufts Curve and Speed Restrictions
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 3 completed the necessary repairs to clear the speed restriction at the Tufts Curve located between Tufts Medical Center and Back Bay stations. | Status | Complete Read the FTA’s closure letter (July 17, 2023) |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 8 creates a work plan focused on reducing the percentage of track under restriction across the heavy rail system. | Status | In progress |
Maintenance of Way (MOW)
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 4 implements improvements to ROW access procedures to increase the available time period for track repairs to be performed and improve efficiency of on-track time. | Status | In progress |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 5 ensures that the MOW department has the staff, materials, contracts, equipment, and budget to sustainably maintain the MBTA ROW. | Status | Complete |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 6 accelerates the implementation of the MBTA's Enterprise Asset Management system. | Status | Complete |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 7 creates digital tools to increase executive management’s understanding of the quantity and severity of track defects. | Status | Complete |
Green Line Work Trains
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 9 restored Green Line work trains to working order. | Status | Complete Read the FTA’s closure letter (March 3, 2023) |
