Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Today's Worcester-Framingham Line Train P512 Ordeal

This morning I rode into the city on the train that left the Grafton station at 7:49 a.m. (otherwise known as P512). Big mistake!

The train was as pleasant as ever this morning ... no heat in two cars, 15-20 minutes behind schedule, went sloooooowly from Framingham through the Wellesley's.

We arrived at Back Bay at 9:04 a.m. and none of the doors were opened (still part of the working strike?), so the passengers had to do it. I got off at Back Bay and took the Orange Line over to my office. I couldn't stand to sit on the train outside of South Station (Which is what usually happens).

Who even knows what time the train rolled into South Station? Considering it is supposed to reach South Station at 8:59 a.m., no doubt it was late.

The other night, the trains were a mess on the ride home. One of my co-workers said that it was due to lack of conductors.

I wonder if something is still going on?

There were only two conductors on my train this morning. Only one of them was collecting passes and he only did that through West Natick (so that means they didn't collect fares at four stops).

Of course, the Welle$ley people get off scott free for the T fare.

I'm getting fired up! Is anyone else? This is crazy - why should I even bother buying a T pass if (1) the fares aren't getting collected and (2) the train is operating so poorly? I'm tired of subsidizing other people's commutes!

What is the MBTA going to do about it? What is the MBCR going to do about it? Does Governor Patrick even care or is he only concerned about chasing down casinos? What about Worcester-area elected officials - do you care that your constituents are dealing with such a poorly run commuter rail system?

Raise your voice and speak out! We deserve a better commuter rail system.

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