MBTA to begin next phase of Needham Line's PTC work

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) crews on Aug. 3 will begin construction on the second phase of positive train control (PTC) infrastructure along the Needham commuter-rail line. 

Needham Line service will be suspended on Saturdays through Oct. 12 to accommodate the work.

“Positive train control is a key investment that will result in a significant safety upgrade for our customers across the entire commuter-rail network,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak in a press release. 

PTC is a federally mandated safety control system that automatically reduces train speeds when needed, reducing train collisions and preventing human error. PTC is one of the MBTA’s highest-priority capital programs and is being installed throughout the network, MBTA officials said.