The Backbone of the Cambridge Transit System
The new Red Line train arrives in Central Square station.
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. Even more people are expected to take the Red Line in the future, which will exacerbate the line's existing problems.
The new fleet of Red Line cars introduced in 2024 positions the MBTA to run a train every 3 minutes, adding approximately 50% more capacity at rush-hour. Full delivery of the new train sets is expected by the end of 2028. 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.
ACTIONS
Advocate for and ensure Red Line capacity increase is delivered
Implement Kendall Square station improvements
Make the Red Line resilient to climate change
What’s Next?
Years later, Transport Kendall continues to influence and guide transportation improvements in Kendall Square.
MBTA Projects
The T is evolving every day. As part of their $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, the MBTA is renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Transport Kendall was published in 2017. This page has been updated as of March, 2026.