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[KevinKorell]

Severe Weather Update - February 9-10, 2015

 
What to expect when winter weather hits.
 
The MBTA is committed to providing service on Monday, February 9, even as the Boston region faces its third major snow event in less than three weeks and the authority’s aging fleet is depleted. The T’s focus will be on keeping its passengers and employees safe, providing a limited level of service for those who need to get to work or other destinations and preserving its vehicles and assets in order to return to normal service as soon after the storm as possible. On Monday, the MBTA encourages those who do not need to travel to avoid doing so and those who do need to travel to stay updated on the latest service information, which can be found at the MBTA's winter resource hub: mbta.com/winter. Customers are also urged to check T-Alerts regularly for updates or to join our 100,000 followers on Twitter @MBTA. For Commuter Rail updates, we ask commuters to follow the MBTA Commuter Rail on Twitter @MBTA_CR.

The MBTA’s service plan for tomorrow is as follows:

The rapid transit system (Red, Blue, Orange and Green lines) will only be able to operate at mid-day frequencies, even during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Depending on the line, the time between trains will be four to five minutes longer than regularly scheduled rush hour service. The MBTA will be working hard to provide service at the following mid-day frequencies:

 
Rapid Transit Line Normal Rush Hour Service Frequency Reduced Service Frequency on Mon. Feb. 9
 

Red Line Every 9 minutes  Every 14 minutes
 
Orange Line  Every 6 minutes  Every 10 minutes
 
Blue Line Every 5 minutes Every 9 minutes
 
Green "B" Line Every 7 minutes Every 9 minutes
 
Green "C" Line Every 6 minutes  Every 10 minutes
 
Green "D" Line  Every 7 minutes  Every 11 minutes
 
Green "E" Line Every 6 minutes Every 8 minutes
  

 
Buses will continue to replace Mattapan Trolley service between Ashmont and Mattapan Stations from start to end of service on Monday, February 9, 2015. MBTA buses and RIDE vehicles will encounter the same road conditions that will challenge all motorists on Monday. Please be advised that delays and cancellations are likely and that many bus routes will operate on snow routes to avoid clogged streets, tight corners, and/or steep hills.
 
Between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the MBTA will suspend Red Line service between Braintree and JFK/UMass Stations and Orange Line service between Oak Grove and Sullivan Stations so that jet engine powered snow blowers can be used to clear snow from the rights of way before the PM commute. The MBTA will provide very limited replacement bus service during this suspension of rail service, but weather conditions may severely challenge our ability to provide reliable or frequent bus service. Subway service will continue to operate all day from Ashmont to Alewife on the Red Line and from Forest Hills to Sullivan Stations on the Orange Line.
 
The Commuter Rail system will attempt to maintain its weekday schedule, but storm-related delays are likely. Please plan for extra travel time and dress appropriately. We encourage customers to check for the most current Commuter Rail service information on Twitter @MBTA_CR and to sign up for T-Alerts to receive text and e-mail service notifications. 
 
The MBTA CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing will be closed on Monday, February 9, 2015. 
 
The levels of accumulated snowfall continue to make it difficult for customers to maneuver their vehicles around MBTA parking lots. Work crews continue to try very hard to keep the lots' travel lanes and exits clear, but heavy snow has accumulated in the immediate areas around vehicles occupying spaces. Customers are strongly encouraged to consider these factors if using MBTA parking lots. 
 
The MBTA apologizes for any disturbance or inconvenience caused by these service changes, which are necessary to provide the best possible service to our customers during this difficult winter.
 
 
 
Updated: 11:00 p.m., Feb 8, 2015
 

Subway
 
The Red, Blue, Orange, and Green lines will operate at reduced service levels on Monday, February 9, 2015. Passengers should anticipate delays in service and allow additional travel time. 
 
Buses will replace Mattapan Trolley service between Ashmont and Mattapan Stations from start to end of service on Monday, February 9, 2015.
 
Buses will replace Red Line service between Braintree and JFK/UMass Stations from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Monday, February 9, 2015. 
 
Buses will replace Orange Line service between Oak Grove and Sullivan Stations from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Monday, February 9, 2015. 
 
For up-to-the-minute service information, please check T-Alerts.
 

Commuter Rail
 
The Commuter Rail will operate regular service on Monday, February 9, 2015. Passengers should anticipate delays in service and allow additional travel time. For up-to-the-minute service information, including all delays, please check T-Alerts.
 
Fairmount Line trains 743 (5:50 am from South Station) and 744 (6:30 am from Readville) will be cancelled on Monday, February 9, 2015. 
 
Lowell Line train 352 (6:55 am from Anderson/Woburn) will be cancelled on Monday, February 9, 2015. [/b]
 

[KevinKorell]

 

 

Red Line: Current

 

 

Branches Affected: Braintree
Shuttle buses replacing Red Line (Braintree branch) service between Braintree and JFK/UMass Stations due to severe weather.

 

Due to snow removal operations and to allow MBTA crews to perform track maintenance, buses will replace Red Line trains between JFK/UMass and Braintree Stations in both directions on Monday, February 9, 2015. Customers are encouraged to utilize the Commuter Rail Old Colony Line at Braintree, Quincy Center, and JFK/UMass Stations if possible.

Please be advised that these pieces of equipment are powered by jet engines, which produce elevated levels of noise. The MBTA apologizes for any disturbance or inconvenience caused by this work that is necessary to make subway service more reliable.

Shuttling the following stops:
JFK/Umass
North Quincy
Wollaston
Quincy Center
Quincy Adams
Braintree

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 9:36:46 AM

 

 

Branches Affected: Ashmont, Braintree
Red Line experiencing severe delays due to weather-related issues.

 

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 9:06:27 AM

 

 

Orange Line: Current

 

 

Orange Line experiencing severe delays due to weather-related issues.

 

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 9:06:09 AM

 

 

Green Line: Current

 

Branches Affected: B, C, D, E
Green Line experiencing moderate delays due to weather-related issues.

 

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 9:06:19 AM

 

 

Blue Line: Current

 

Blue Line experiencing moderate delays due to weather-related issues.

 

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 9:06:02 AM

[KevinKorell]

Boston, MA Globe, 2/9/15:

Red Line Train Stuck Between Quincy Center, Quincy Adams

 

A southbound Red Line train is stuck between Quincy Center and Quincy Adams. Several attempts to move the disabled train were unsuccessful, MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo told Boston.com.

The story

[KevinKorell]

WCVB-TV, Channel 5 in Boston, MA, 2/7/15:

Boston rushes to remove snow ahead of long-duration storm

 

It may not breathe fire but the aptly named "Snowzilla" conquers everything in its path, including ice and snow blocking MBTA tracks. 

 

This is the story.

[KevinKorell]

 

Commuter Rail Service Alerts

 

 

 

 

All MBTA rail services will be suspended at 7:00 p.m on Monday, Feb 9 and from start to end of service on Tuesday, Feb 10. This means no Subway, Trolleys or Commuter Rail trains will depart Boston after 7:00 p.m.

 

All MBTA rail services will be suspended at 7:00 p.m on Monday, February 9 and from start to end of service on Tuesday, February 10. This means no Subway, Trolleys or Commuter Rail trains will depart Boston after 7:00 p.m.

Limited MBTA bus service will continue until the end of regular service hours and from start to end of service on Tuesday, February 10, but customers are advised that connections to subway and Commuter Rail lines will not be available.

Last Updated: 2/9/2015 5:43:05 PM

 

 

Updated: 10:00 p.m., Feb 9, 2015

 

Subway

 

The Red, Blue, Orange, and Green line service and Mattapan Trolley service will be suspended at 7:00pm through the end of service on Monday, February 9 and from start to end of service on Tuesday, February 10.

 

 

Commuter Rail

The Commuter Rail will be suspended at 7:00pm through the end of service on Monday, February 9 and from start to end of service of Tuesday, February 10.

[KevinKorell]

CBS Boston, 2/9/15:

 

MBTA Suspends All Rail Service Tuesday For Snow Cleanup

 

Gov. Charlie Baker is “frustrated” and “disappointed” with the MBTA as it struggled to maintain even a limited schedule during Monday’s snowstorm.

 

The MBTA announced that all rail service will be suspended beginning at 7pm Monday night due to the snow. Rail service will be suspended all day Tuesday while maintenance crews continue to clear snow and ice from tracks, the third rail and switches.

 

Maw heeyuh.

[KevinKorell]

Severe Weather Update - February 11, 2015

 

What to expect when winter weather hits.

 

On Wednesday, February 11, MBTA rail service will resume on Commuter Rail, trolley, and subway lines.

 

The Commuter Rail system will operate on a modified weekday schedule, making approximately 70% of the trips regularly scheduled. The schedules for each line are below. Please note that trains will not serve Plymouth, TF Green, or Wickford Junction Stations tomorrow.

 

The Green and Blue Lines will operate, but with fewer cars and less frequent service.

 

Limited Red Line service will be available between Alewife and Ashmont only. Buses will replace train service between Braintree and JFK Stations from start to end of service on Wednesday, February 11, and

Thursday, February 12. Customers are encouraged to use Commuter Rail service that will stop at Braintree, Quincy Center, & JFK. Limited Orange Line service will be available today. Shuttle buses are also replacing Orange Line trains from Oak Grove to Wellington at this time, making all station stops. Customers should anticipate weather-related delays in service and are reminded to please use caution on crowded platforms.

 

Buses will replace service on the Mattapan Trolley Line. 

 

MBTA buses and RIDE vehicles will encounter the same road conditions that continue to challenge all motorists. Please be advised that delays and cancellations are likely and that many bus routes will operate on snow routes to avoid clogged streets, tight corners, and/or steep hills.

 

Due to recent winter weather, there is limited parking availability at Beverly, Salem and Lynn garages. Please plan your alternative parking arrangements accordingly. Additional parking availability information for Wednesday, February 11, can be found here. Snow accumulations continue to make it difficult for customers to maneuver their vehicles around MBTA parking lots. Customers are strongly encouraged to consider these factors if using MBTA parking lots. 

 

As always, the latest service information can be found at the MBTA's winter resource hub: mbta.com/winter. Customers are also urged to check T-Alerts regularly for updates or to join our 100,000 followers on Twitter @MBTA. For Commuter Rail updates, we ask commuters to follow the MBTA Commuter Rail on Twitter @MBTA_CR.

The MBTA appreciates the patience of its loyal customers as it works to restore service to the levels they expect and deserve.

 

Updated: 12 p.m., Feb 11, 2015

 

Subway

 

Limited Red Line service will be available between Alewife and Ashmont Stations only. Buses will replace Red Line Braintree branch service between JFK/UMass and Braintree Stations from start to end of service on Wednesday, February 11, and Thursday, February 12. Customers are encouraged to utilize the Commuter Rail at Braintree, Quincy Center, and JFK stations as an alternative.

 

Limited Orange Line service will be available on Wednesday, February 11. Shuttle buses are currently replacing train service from Oak Grove to Wellington, making all station stops. Customers should anticipate moderate delays in service and are reminded to please use caution on crowded platforms.

 

The Green and Blue Lines will operate on Wednesday, February 11, but with fewer cars and less frequent service. 

 

Buses will replace Mattapan Trolley service from start to end of service on Wednesday, February 11.

 

For up-to-the-minute service information, please check T-Alerts. 

 

Commuter Rail

 

The Commuter Rail will operate on a modified weekday schedule on Wednesday, February 11, making approximately 70% of the trips regularly scheduled.

Commuter Rail schedule information for Wednesday, February 11, is available below:
Newburyport/Rockport
Lowell
Haverhill 
Fitchburg
Framingham/Worcester
Needham 
Franklin
Providence/Stoughton
Fairmount
Middleborough/Lakeville
Kingston/Plymouth
Greenbush 

 

For up-to-the-minute service information, please check T-Alerts. 

 

On the Old Colony Line, trains will not serve Plymouth and all service will begin and end in Kingston. There will also be fewer express trains systemwide.

 

Due to weather related Orange Line delays, Haverhill Line passengers are strongly encouraged to transfer to the Orange Line at North Station, not Malden Center. 

 

Note that Providence/Stoughton Line trains will not serve TF Green and Wickford and all service will begin and end in Providence. RIDOT will provide limited shuttle bus service on Wednesday, February 11, between Providence, TF Green, and Wickford Junction:

INBOUND TRAINS:

806 Train (departs Wickford 5:58AM, departs TF Green at 6:13AM)
808 Train (departs Wickford 6:37AM, departs TF Green at 6:52AM)
812 Train (departs Wickford 7:42AM, departs TF Green at 7:59AM)
814 Train (departs Wickford 9:10AM, departs TF Green at 9:26AM)
818 Train (departs Wickford at 1:10PM, departs TF Green at 1:25PM) 

 

OUTBOUND TRAINS:

809 Train (train arrives in Providence at 2:54PM, bus will depart at approximately 3PM with service to Warwick and Wickford)
813 Train (train arrives in Providence 5:23PM, bus will depart at approximately 5:30PM with service to Warwick and Wickford)
817 Train (train arrives in Providence at 6:10PM, bus will depart at approximately 6:20Pm with service to Warwick and Wickford)
819 Train (train arrives in Providence at 6:48PM, bus will depart at approximately 7:00PM with service to Warwick and Wickford)
825 Train (train arrives in Providence at 9:23PM, bus will depart at approximately 9:30PM with service to Warwick and Wickford)

[CNJRoss]

Boston Herald, 2/11:
 

Gov. Charlie Baker wants answers for MBTA meltdown

 

Gov. Charlie Baker — frustrated by yet another MBTA systemwide collapse — wants transit officials to come clean on what went wrong amid a series of record-shattering storms and how they plan to fix it when they huddle in a post-winter “debrief” that the Republican hopes will clear up a glut of unanswered questions, aides say.

 

“Whatever (the plan) is, it isn’t working,” a Baker aide told the Herald last night.

 

“He is looking for the T to provide a plan, an operating plan, for the next year. And the next two years. And how the service will keep running, because clearly it failed here,” the aide said. “Right now everybody is focused on restoring service to basic operational levels. The governor is going to be looking for a plan to avoid the losses that they’ve seen.”

 

After a day marked by more delays and stalled trains, the T suspended all rail service today, stranding thousands of workers who rely on public transportation as the state digs out from a third major storm in two weeks — and prepares for perhaps another one come Thursday.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

Note:  This is posted "out of order" in relation to above story.

 

Boston Herald "Herald Bulldog Edition" blog, 2/10:
 

MBTA GM: 'No conversation' with Baker during snowstorms

 

A combative MBTA GM Beverly Scott said she has no plans to step down during a lively press conference this morning where she revealed she has had "no conversation" with Gov. Charlie Baker over the last three weeks as the city has been hammered by successive storms that have dumped more than three feet of snow on the Hub.

 

"I love what I do. I've always told people if you ever think that there is anybody else that you think could do it better then they should do it," Scott said. "I have had no direct conversation with the governor, I can only say that everybody is frustrated. I have had no conversation with the governor throughout the three weeks of what has been going on."

 

Although she admitted she hasn't spoken with Baker, Scott said she expects to meet him later in the week during a scheduled meeting.

 

"That would be ... the first time, that candidly, I've even had a handshake, OK, from the governor," she said.

 

Scott, who held the press conference after coming under fire for her decision to shut down MBTA service today, said she can't say whether the T will be up and running tomorrow but will make an announcement later this afternoon.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

Boston Herald "Herald Bulldog Edition" blog, 2/11:
 

Embattled MBTA head Beverly Scott resigning

 

Beverly Scott, the head of the problem-plagued MBTA, handed in her resignation today saying she is leaving her $220,000-a-year post in April.

 

"Please consider this my letter of resignation as the MBTA General Manager and Rail & Transit Administrator, effective April 11, 2015. Thank you and the entire MassDOT Board for your confidence and support," Scott writes today in her letter to the MassDOT board of directors.

 

Full text of Scott's resignation letter here...

 

The chairman of the MassDOT Board of Directors, John Jenkins, said almost immediately he was surprised by her decision.

 

"I am stunned by the resignation of Dr. Scott," he wrote in a statement sent to the Herald. "Be clear, this Board has had no discussions at any time about her tenure as General Manager.  We hoped and expected that she would fulfill her three year contract, which ends in December of this year.  I want to thank Dr. Scott for her skillful and committed leadership over the last 26 months, and wish her the very best as she moves on to her next challenge.  In the coming weeks, I will appoint a sub-committee of the Board to direct a nationwide search for her replacement."

 

Scott goes on to write she will stay on the job for the next 60 days to help "return 'T' services to normalcy" following shutdowns and chronic delays for days during this winter's snowstorms.

 

Continue here.