red line

The backbone of the Cambridge transit system

  
    Transport Kendall was published in 2018. This page has been updated 
as of 2025.

The new Red Line train arrives in Central Square station.

ACTIONS

  
    Advocate for and ensure Red Line capacity increase is delivered
Implement Kendall Square station improvements
Make the Red Line resilient to climate change

Infographic on Kendall Square Station use. Text reads: Kendall Square Station entries increased 34% from 2007 to 2016. Station entries are expected to double from 2012 to 2040.

The Kendall Red Line Station is the 8th busiest station in the MBTA system and the 5th fastest growing station. Red Line travelers in Kendall Square often find themselves on full trains and crowded platforms, sometimes getting left behind. With current and planned development, even more people are expected to take the Red Line, which will exacerbate the line's existing problems.

The new fleet of Red Line cars introduced in 2024 should enable the MBTA to run a train every 3 minutes, adding approximately 50% more capacity at rush-hour. Despite these new trains and additional signal and trackwork, questions remain as to whether these improvements will fully meet the future growing demands of Kendall Square and the region.

WHAT’S NEXT?

See the latest on MBTA Projects

See Updates Following Transport Kendall