MBTA Red Line finally speeds up

The latest: It took multiple frustrating Red Line shutdowns and bus diversions to get to this point, but riders can now enjoy speeds between Braintree, Ashmont and Alewife not experienced since at least 2009.

What they're saying: "At the end, the outcome will be a much better T that can support everybody every day, giving minutes back of their time," Eng said Monday.

By the numbers: T crews had unencumbered access to the train tunnels during those weeks-long Red Line shutdowns and replaced:

• 2,230 feet of rail
• About 970 feet of track
• 177 ties
• 3,350 plates

Plus, they resurfaced and tamped 13,800 feet of track.

What's next: The Green Line is scheduled to join the other routes as slowdown-free after track work next month, meaning the whole system should be at its speediest in years.

💭 Deehan's thought bubble: As a JFK/UMass rider, I went through the last remaining slow zones every time I took the T. I'm happy they're gone.