MBTA Customers Asked to Plan Ahead and Allow Extra Commuting Time during Upcoming Cold Winter Weather

In full transparency, the following is a press release submitted to SOURCE media.

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BOSTON – With frigid temperatures, wind gusts, and icy conditions predicted for Monday night through Wednesday morning, the MBTA is urging its customers to plan ahead and allow for some extra time in their commutes.

“Since Friday’s storm, we have had crews out across the MBTA clearing snow and ice from parking facilities, station platforms, pedestrian paths, bus stops, switches, overhead wires, and other critical infrastructure,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “But because of the extremely cold temperatures anticipated this week, we want to encourage our customers to dress warmly, allow for extra travel time, and be mindful of icy conditions. The safety of its customers and employees continues to be the first priority for the MBTA.”

The MBTA will make every effort to operate subway trains and buses at or near regular weekday schedules, but some delays may occur.

The MBTA is planning to run regularly scheduled weekday service, but customers are asked to visit MBTA.com/Winter for the latest service information. Customers can also monitor service at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on Twitter, and sign up for T-Alerts.

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The MBTA is implementing its cold-weather mitigation measures, which include storing buses and trains indoors overnight, and conducting regular checks of vehicles that remain outside.

The MBTA will be cycling train sets in and out of rail yards so they are not sitting idle for extended periods of time. For trains that are not running throughout the system, MBTA teams will be opening and closing doors as well as testing brakes and propulsion systems for any moisture buildup and freezing.

Signaling and track crews will be inspecting all rights-of-ways to ensure that heaters for track switches and third rail are performing as designed.