April 13, 2026 |MBTA, News, State of MA, Survey, Transportation

MBTA Seeking Feedback for Long-Term Investment Plan, Focus 2050

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From the MBTA: The public is encouraged to share thoughts and feedback on future MBTA projects and initiatives.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is announcing the public engagement efforts for Focus 2050, the agency’s long-term plan for transit investments across the Commonwealth.

Focus 2050 is the latest update to the Program for Mass Transportation (PMT), a plan required by state law, which will set the long-term direction for a safer, more reliable, more accessible MBTA through the year 2050. It looks beyond today’s needs to prepare the system for future growth, climate impacts, and changing travel patterns, while aligning the MBTA’s strategic goals with the Capital Investment Plan (CIP). Updated every five years, the PMT will bridge the MBTA Strategic Plan and the fiscally constrained CIP, identifying investment priorities and potential capital improvements over 25 years through 2050. 

“The public, our riders, communities and the businesses we serve can help shape decisions and priorities for the T. Feedback is invaluable on what is most meaningful to improve their quality of life. We welcome and thank you in advance of your input into the Focus 2050 plan,” said Interim Secretary and General Manager Phillip Eng. “I’m proud of the MBTA team and the Policy and Strategic Planning group for their proactive and collaborative approach towards this roadmap to deliver results. With the leadership from the Healey-Driscoll Administration we are rebuilding our transportation network to meet the needs of today with awareness towards future generations to come. With a renewed commitment to safe, reliable and more robust service, this Focus 2050 plan is about delivering what riders expect and deserves, a transit system that people can be proud of.”   

Since the release of Focus40 (the agency’s last 25-year investment plan), the MBTA has delivered several major projects, including but not limited to: 

• Completing the Green Line Extension, which extended service to Tufts in Somerville 
• Extending Commuter Rail service to Fall River and New Bedford 
• Replacing the Orange Line fleet with new cars 
• Expanding ferry service to improve water access transportation 

Some important initiatives riders and stakeholders have suggested the T roll over or consider in this plan, so far include:  

• Ensuring that the maintenance activities begun with the Track Improvement Plan continue into the future to deliver reliable service 
• Improving Green Line core capacity by improving infrastructure and introducing Type 10 vehicles, which will also support accessibly for riders. 
• Modernizing the Commuter Rail and taking initiative to reduce the carbon emissions while continuing to improve service frequency and modernize our aging infrastructure.  
• Delivering accessibility for riders especially across our oldest and more complicated transit stations.  
• Promoting preparedness for the changes in weather patterns and storms due to climate adaptation, including tunnel flood prevention, and ensuring the resilience of our power infrastructure. 
• Improving connections between parts of the MBTA network. 

The MBTA is seeking feedback from riders, stakeholders, and communities across its network. The agency will host over 20 popup events in stations to meet riders and gather feedback and ideas. Additionally, a series of open house-style public meetings will allow participants to learn more about the plan and take part in breakout discussions to help shape the MBTA’s long-term planning efforts.

Join the MBTA at an upcoming open house: 

• Wednesday, April 15, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at La Colaborativa: 63 Sixth Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150  
• Thursday, May 7, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): 178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111 
• Tuesday, May 19, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Community Room at McGovern Transportation: 211 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 0184 

MBTA staff will be gathering feedback to shape this important plan throughout the year, including through surveys and through another round of meetings and popup events later in 2026.  Riders and the public can learn more or leave a comment at MBTA.com/Focus2050 

For more information, visit mbta.com or connect with the T on X @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta.

About the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) opened America’s first subway tunnel in 1897, pioneering public transportation in the United States. Today, the MBTA is one of the largest public transit systems in the country, operating an extensive network of subway, bus, Commuter Rail, ferry, and paratransit services across 176 cities and towns. The MBTA is undergoing a transformative period, focusing on cultivating a culture of safety and excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and improving reliability and accessibility. Current priorities include accelerating critical infrastructure repairs, expanding accessibility, and reducing emissions.

The MBTA is committed to providing dependable, frequent, and accessible service that riders can rely on while supporting the region’s economic vitality. Through initiatives like the unprecedented Track Improvement Program, the Better Bus Program, and the Rail Modernization Plan, the MBTA aims to connect communities and improve riders’ daily experiences and trips. For questions or assistance, riders are encouraged to contact the MBTA Customer Center at 617-222-3200.