MBTA Boss: Trains Will Withstand Winter Blast

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After a brutal winter delayed and disabled trains across the Boston area last year, the MBTA invested millions of dollars into its transit system in an effort to avoid another disastrous service collapse.

After making “significant” improvement to the ailing railway system, MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola believes the upgrades will stand up to another winter blast.

While speaking on Boston Herald Radio, DePaolo said the MBTA is utilizing an $82.7 million program to prepare for the winter. $70 million of that is being used for “capital investments in both track and also new equipment.” Roughly $12 million will be kept aside “to provide assistance during the winter” if a call for help is needed.

Other upgrades from the program’s budget include updating the third rail on the Orange and Red Line, heating and de-icing the tracks, and adding snow plows to trains. Additional MBTA workers will also be stationed on train platforms to update commuters. Tweet and text alerts will also be issued on a regular basis.

“We are far better prepared for this winter than we were for last winter,” DePaolo told FOX25.

According to DePaoloa, it will take a state of emergency to shut down the system this year.