MBTA Slashes Subway Services For The Summer

BOSTON — In response to recent special directives from the Federal Transit Administration as part of an investigation probe, the MBTA is slashing service through the rest of the summer season.

The reason?

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority claims they don't have enough dispatchers to keep up with regular operations.

This major service cut is the first noticeable action since the FTA's investigation began back in May after the agency told the MBTA they were "extremely concerned with the ongoing safety issues" following the death of a Red Line passenger who was dragged for at least 100 feet before succumbing to his injuries.

The MBTA and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities are ordered to take "immediate action" on these safety issues, including cutting back on service.

New hours for the running T schedule are as follows:

Red Line: Ashmont and Braintree branches, which used to run every 9 to 10 minutes - will now run every 14 to 15 minutes and trains between Alewife and JFK/UMass will now run every 7 to 8 minutes.

Orange Line: Every morning trains will run every ten minutes, then 8 to 9 minutes throughout the day, before going back to a set 11 minutes every night.

Blue Line: Trains in the early morning will run every 7 minutes until the mid-morning when they start running every 8 to 9 minutes.

The B branch of the Green Line between Boston College and Kenmore will close for the next 12 days, swapping out trolleys for shuttle buses.

In order to keep transit riders in the Boston area from avoiding the MBTA subway, the FTA issued these actions to provide a system-wide measure to fix longstanding issues with the agency's overall safety program.

The FTA's inspection found that the MBTA's Operations Control Center is "not appropriately staffed" thus creating "an increased safety risk." To fix this, the MBTA is ordered to make sure all staff members are properly certified and have enough time between shifts, and are not too tired, or working multiple roles at once.

Some of the "emergency safety issues" flagged by the FTA were that some MBTA employees were ordered to work 20-hour shifts with only four hours off in between them due to the recent staffing shortage.

The MBTA says they are working to hire new dispatchers through recruiting processes, including bonuses and bringing back former employees.

"Safety is our number one priority and must be the primary focus for the MBTA and the DPU," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "Every transit passenger deserves a safe ride. Every transit worker deserves a safe workplace. The MBTA must immediately take action to improve its safety procedures for its passengers and workers."

Related:

• MBTA Ordered To Take 'Immediate Action' On Safety Issues: FTA
• MBTA Safety Under Review Following Red Line Dragging Death
• Dorchester Man Dies After Being Dragged By Red Line Train
• 9 Sent To Hospital After Escalator Incident At Back Bay Station
• Milton Man Dies After Falling From Stairs Near MBTA Station
• Red Line Service Resumes After Derailment At Broadway Station
• All New MBTA Orange Line Trains Pulled Out Of Service Thursday