BOSTON — In the midst of the Tuesday morning commute, an electrical issue cut power to part of the MBTA Green Line system, forcing commuters to walk through tunnels and find alternate ways to get to work.
Video captured by one rider shows passengers walking with an MBTA escort in the underground tunnel toward Arlington Station during a two-and-a-half hour power disruption. Other passengers had long waits outside for shuttle buses.
>> MBTA Nightmare: Wire problem suspends Green Line service amid Tuesday commute
@MBTA commuters waiting for shuttle buses at Park Street after all Green Line service suspended. https://t.co/fjeaH8MlII pic.twitter.com/kNJevpjDQl
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) June 12, 2018
The MBTA says an overhead wire between Arlington and Copley had an issue with an insulator component.
The T says that part was inspected just a week earlier.
"This is just another example of why the $8 billion we're gonna spend on the core system over the next several years is so important," said Governor Charlie Baker.
>> Mass. Dems: Baker treating commuters 'like 2nd class citizens'
We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to invest in existing rail infrastructure, increase capacity where it is needed, and enhance service in communities across the Commonwealth.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) June 12, 2018
The T says $365 million is currently being spent on Green Line infrastructure and the last time this sort of wire outage occurred was November 2017, thanks in part to the weekly inspection.
Commuters are upset over the latest breakdown in America's oldest subway system and want to see changes.
"People are just beaten down by the level of disfunction of our system. We deserve better," said Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu.
Wu commutes on the T every day and says more needs to be done to modernize the system.
"It's an election year. Every time you see a candidate on the ballot, talk to them about transportation," said Wu.
NEW: From @JoePesaturo @mbta about this morning's #MBTA #GreenLine service disruptions.https://t.co/lR3F5JpPg9 pic.twitter.com/a1BQALY2Y3
— Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) June 12, 2018
>> MBTA considering $3.5B Green Line investment
The MBTA says three different lines, including the Green Line, will get hundreds of new subway cars over the next four years.
Commuters tell Boston 25 News they just want to get to where they're going on time.
On Wednesday morning, T officials tell Boston 25 News that inspections of the overhead catenary system were performed this morning and no defects were observed.
The T says it expects a smooth commute for Wednesday.
WATCH LIVEMBTA commuters waiting for shuttle buses at Kenmore after wire problem suspends most Green Line service.
Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, June 12, 2018
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