MBTA: It Could Take 30 Days to Fully Restore Service

It could take up to 30 days for MBTA service to be fully restored- but that would be if there is not another major storm

It could take up to 30 days for Boston transit service to be fully restored — but that would be if there is not another major storm, according to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's chief Dr. Beverly Scott.

The news of the "Reduced Core Service" plan came Monday night, shortly after the agency announced it will continue to operate on a limited schedule on Tuesday. The Boston area is closing in on the record for snowiest winter.

Scott announced last week she was stepping down, effective April 11, amid criticism of how her agency has handled delays, suspensions and massive snowfall. On Monday, Scott said the goal of the reduced plan is to "take back the system."

Service was previously suspended Sunday due to blizzard-like conditions, and limited service resumed on Monday.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's office responded to the MBTA's move later Monday with a statement.

"The administration has been directing significant resources including heavy equipment and personnel to the MBTA to aid in recovery efforts over the past several days to restore a regular operating schedule for commuters as quickly and efficiently as possible after unprecedented impacts from recent storms," a Baker spokesperson said.

A string of snowstorms has wreaked havoc on the MBTA, and frustration among commuters is growing. 

The red line from Braintree to JFK is the top priority for the T, with dozens of inmates and union members pitching in to clear snow from the tracks one shovel at a time.

“It’s quite an undertaking, it’s a herculean task to get all the snow removed here and we’re all hands on deck at the MBTA right now,” said Tom Crowley the MBTA Supervisor of Transportation Contraction for Subway Operations.

Here are the details of Tuesday's limited schedule:

Red Line

  • From Alewife and Andrew. Will resemble off-peak service. Trains every 7-8 minutes.
  • From Andrew, transfer onto shuttle bus service to points south. That will be limited service, every 10-20 minutes.

Orange Line

  • From Sullivan to Back Bay. Less than normal weekday service.
  • Sullivan to Oak Grove will be limited shuttle bus service.

Blue Line

  • Normal service from Wonderland to Bowdoin Station. Every 6-7 minutes.

Green Line

  • From Lechmere to Kenmore. Every 5-6 minutes.
  • B Line – Switch to 57 bus. No service between Packards Corner and Boston College.
  • C Line – Substitute bus service.
  • D Line – Reduced train service.
  • E Line – Will go to Prudential station. Then 39 bus service to Heath.

Bus service

  • Will run a regular, weekday service tomorrow.
  • MBTA is warning riders of longer than average wait times.

Commuter Rail

  • On a limited schedule. Details still being finalized.

For complete information on all MBTA routes and schedules, click here

For your latest weather forecast, click here.

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