After 4 Train Derailments In 2019, System Still 'Safe:' MBTA

BOSTON — The MBTA has one of the highest rates of derailments among the nation’s public transit systems, according to federal data. After two MBTA trains derailed over the last four days — injuring 12 riders — commuters and politicians blasted T officials and called into question the safety of the transit system. And MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak held a news conference Tuesday and offered his reassurance and announced he was ordering an independent investigation.

"The system is safe," MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak told reporters outside of the JFK/UMass station where the latest derailment happened. "I use the system every day."

But, he said the MBTA will enlist an independent company to review four derailments that have occurred over the last two years. It was unclear how much the review will cost or when it will start. The T has another fare increase planned this summer.

"This is something we will thoroughly review," Poftak said. "We have an obligation to make sure we're taking every step possible to address this issue."

There were 336 reported derailments across the country in 2018, up one from the year before, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. There were 13 derailments in 2018, 10 in 2017, and 8 in 2016, according to the data. There were no derailments in 2002 or 2003. There was one reported in 2004, and five in 2005, and three in 2009 according to federal data.

Federal records show that there were 43 MBTA train derailments between 2014 and 2018. New Orleans logged the most derailments during that five-year period with 72 above ground streetcars derailments.

Poftak said review will take a look not only at what oversight the T has done, but will also review other MBTA materials available.

"It's intended to see if there's some sort of pattern that hasn't picked up yet," said Poftak.

"We hear very clearly, and we understand very clearly that this situation with the derailments is not acceptable, and we're taking steps to address that."

There were 61 passengers on the derailed Red Line train Tuesday. One person complained of a hand injury but refused an ambulance; another person left and then came back complaining of neck and back injuries and was transported to the hospital. On Saturday, people were injured when a Green Line train derailed in a tunnel near Kenmore Square on Saturday. MBTA officials later said they suspected driver error, and suspended the operator of that train. Poftak said the two derailments were not related.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called the derailments unacceptable.

"We need answers, solutions & more funding, and we need it now," Walsh tweeted. "It is imperative that we have a public transportation system for Boston residents and surrounding communities that is safe and reliable."

Poftak stressed that significant investments are in the works to enhance safety and that a comprehensive set of maintenance inspection and protocols are in place, and the MBTA works to identify root causes of malfunction and address them.

According to the latest data available from the MBTA, some 272,684 people ride the Red Line each day.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).