Local News

MBTA still working to replace damaged power cable that scuttled service last week

A broken joint in an underground cable triggered a massive power outage that disrupted service on the Blue, Green, and Orange lines last Thursday.

Commuters ride inbound into Boston from Oak Grove on the MBTA Orange Line. Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe, File

February 22, 2024

1 minute to read

The MBTA says it has pinpointed the cause of last Thursday’s massive power outage, which temporarily halted trains on three of the T’s four subway lines during the morning commute.

The outage was triggered by a broken joint in one of the underground cables that feeds power to the North Station substation, the agency explained. A chaotic commute ensued, complete with widespread delays and plenty of disgruntled riders.

Crews are now working to replace the damaged section of cable, MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo said.

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“By leveraging backup systems utilizing energy from other parts of the power grid, service has continued safely through alternate feeder cables in the interim,” Pesaturo said in a statement. “Looking ahead, engineers will comprehensively test the repaired feeder cable before returning it to full operation.”

He added: “We remain committed to maintaining and upgrading critical system infrastructure to provide reliable public transit services to our riders and thank them for their patience.”

Given the T’s backlog of repairs, that’s a feat easier said than done. Last fall, an internal MBTA analysis estimated that bringing the entire transit system into a state of good repair — in other words, repairing and replacing aging trains, tracks, stations, and infrastructure — will cost about $24.5 billion.

Speaking to reporters following the latest power outage, MBTA General Manager Phil Eng acknowledged that disruptions and delays like last Thursday’s are “part of riding the T.”

However, he added, “we’re going to make those situations fewer and further apart, because reliability, safety, and communication is going to be part of us moving forward.”