The MBTA is putting more subway cars on the tracks in a move that could result in less of a hellish commute for passengers. After experiencing severe delays due to the inclement weather as of late, it seems there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the T.
“Thanks to the great work of a lot of MBTA employees, the number of subway cars in service has grown markedly,” said MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo. “Working all night and into the morning, crews made significant headways, clearing snow and ice from critical track components. This has resulted in fewer delays caused by signal or switch problems.”
Several subway cars were removed from service due to wear and tear caused by freezing temperatures and multiple feet of snow. On the Red Line, cold weather caused a power shortage on the electrically charged third rail. On the Green Line a broken track occurred at Copley.
At this point, 82 percent of the cars needed for a regular weekday schedule are in service.
According to the MBTA the following number of subway cars will be running and these figures stand to increase:
- Red: 120 (formerly 84)
- Orange: 72 (formerly 48)
- Blue: 66 (formerly 36)
- Green: 123 (formerly 118)
“Despite the winter beating it took over the course of a week, the aging transit system performed well today,” added Pesaturo. “Whether riders were going to work, school, or a championship parade, the MBTA delivered. We couldn’t be prouder of the men and women at the T who have worked tirelessly to improve service.”
At the time this article was published, the Blue Line was experiencing minor delays due to a track issue.
