The MBTA is not providing service Sunday due to Boston’s most recent blizzard, which has dumped more than a foot of snow on the city since Saturday afternoon. However, the sight of the T’s snow trains appears to have left at least one Red Line commuter thinking the impossible.
“Wait. Is the Red Line actually open?” Jon Campbell tweeted at the T shortly before noon, on Sunday.
“Can’t be,” Campbell continued, answering his own question. “How about for the Tuesday commute? Tired of the madness. Please make my day.”
Campbell was responding to the following tweet:
#MBTA #Redline snow trains moving through Quincy #MAsnow pic.twitter.com/1xGFzFnvTd
— MBTA (@MBTA) February 15, 2015
The T’s so-called snow trains don’t in fact provide passenger trips; when subway and trolley service is canceled, snow trains are put in service to keep snow and ice from piling up on the tracks. The T, unfortunately, had to break this news to Campbell, who apparently relies on the Red Line – arguably the subway line that has suffered the most, and caused the most problems for commuters during this historic stretch of winter craziness.
@JonCampbellEsq Hello. The Red Line is not open. 'Snow Trains' run during storms to keep tracks clear of snow & ice, making infrequent stops
— MBTA (@MBTA) February 15, 2015
@MBTA Thanks for the quick reply. How we looking for Tuesday? The #RedLine dictates my work week. Any info is appreciated.
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellEsq) February 15, 2015
It’s unclear at this time whether the T will be able to provide service – even on a weather-related modified schedule – on Monday, Presidents Day. The T is expected to provide an update on the status of Monday service later Sunday afternoon or evening.
@LucaNick964 Hello. Decisions about Monday's svc will be made later today. Pls monitor: http://t.co/b64qZNTJS8 for updates
— MBTA (@MBTA) February 15, 2015
Speaking at an earlier press conference, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, after speaking with Governor Charlie Baker, said that with the holiday most of the city and state will remain closed Monday to allow crews to continue snow removal operations.
.@MassGovernor Baker: continue to stay off roads today to allow #MAsnow crews to clear & widen state roadways. @MassDOT now: 3,377 crews.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) February 15, 2015
3,368 @MassDOT #MAsnow crews currently clearing state roadways, ramps, roadsides, large snow drifts & assisting #MBTA.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) February 15, 2015
#MBTA crews clearing tracks and platforms on the Cleveland Circle Branch at Summit Ave. #Greenline #MAsnow pic.twitter.com/2wAghkRiMX
— MBTA (@MBTA) February 15, 2015
RT @AtwaterWCVB: More video of @MBTA_CR clearing tracks adjacent to Mass Pike #BostonBlizzard #WCVB pic.twitter.com/rOMloqywSS
— MBTA (@MBTA) February 15, 2015