The MBTA Isn't Weathering the Storm

When you live in and around Boston, complaining about the MBTA is part of the natural order of things.

I have done so on any number of occasions.

On this occasion, it concerns the snowstorm we had on Sunday into Monday which dropped nearly two feet of snow. Although the snow has stopped, its impact continues particularly with the MBTA. For me and a lot of other commuters, it involves the Red Line.

I was late for work both yesterday and today because of it. Today was substantially worse. I waited at Porter Square for more than an hour to catch a train. The sign said, "Southbound trains Every 6 to 10 min". More like every 20 to 30 minutes. Of course, if you the Southbound notice on a weekday instead of when the next Ashmont or Braintree train is going to arrive then there's going to be a problem.

I arrived at Porter Square at 8:18 a.m. Trains arrived at 8:43 a.m. and again at 9:09 a.m. and was unable to board either of them as both trains were at capacity. The latter train had a disabled car. I did contemplate trying the Commuter Rail, but it too has seen lengthy delays.

Fortunately, it was third time the charm took place at 9:30 on the nose. This train was one of "all new Red Line cars". I'm generally not a fan of the newer Red Line trains because there is less seating. But if it hadn't the been the new Red Line train, I likely would not have been able to board this train either. Still, we were packed like sardines. 

It proved to be a long ride but delays at nearly every station. As a result, I did not arrive at work until 10:10 a.m. Complicating matters is that we have a new time entry system and this system doles out penalties if you are late more than 5 minutes even under extenuating circumstances. Accumulate enough of these penalties and face disciplinary action up to and including termination. The thought of losing my employment due to circumstances beyond my control is utterly infuriating and grossly unfair.

Going home wasn't much better. This evening, I had to wait 26 minutes to catch a Red Line from South Station back home.

Under the circumstances, I plan to leave the house an hour earlier tomorrow. Then again, it might not make a bit of difference.