MBTA commuters knows all too well the frustration of slow zones across our public transit system. Photo: Jarvis Chen.
Over the last year, slow zones have become quite common, and the MBTA website confirms that these inconveniences continue. As regular riders of Boston’s subway, we know the frustration of slow zones all too well. Whether you’re commuting on the Red Line, Orange Line, or any other part of the transit network, it’s hard to escape the effects of these reduced-speed zones. But what’s the reason behind them? And better yet, how can the MBTA prevent them from happening in the first place?
Why Does the MBTA Set Slow Zones?
Simply put, the MBTA puts slow zones in place to protect passengers’ safety. But the reasons behind this decision can vary.
Signal problems, structural deficiencies, and vehicle malfunctions often explain slow zones – including many current…