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Shuttles to run indefinitely on two Green Line branches while MBTA investigates derailment
The T said it is working with state and federal agencies to determine what caused a train to derail near Lechmere Tuesday.
Update: The MBTA announced shortly before 10:30 a.m. Thursday that regular service had resumed on the Green Line’s Union Square and Medford/Tufts branches. Shuttle buses have been phased out.
Initial story below:
Shuttle buses will replace trains indefinitely on the MBTA’s Green Line Extension after a derailment near Lechmere Station injured several people Tuesday evening.
MBTA officials previously said about 50 riders self-evacuated the train, which remained upright after the lead trolley’s wheels came off the tracks. There were six reported injuries, and seven passengers were taken to local hospitals, authorities said.
Previously:
Shuttles began replacing trains on the Green Line’s Union Square and Medford/Tufts branches Tuesday evening, and the MBTA announced Wednesday the buses will continue operating between North Station and both GLX termini for the time being.
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“At this time, it’s unclear when service will resume,” the T said in a news release, adding that shuttle buses will be free and accessible to all riders.
The agency said it is investigating the derailment alongside state and federal regulators, working with the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Transit Administration, and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to determine a cause.
MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan said Tuesday a preliminary investigation indicated the derailment was not the result of any track issues, despite concerns last year about too-narrow tracks on the GLX. The T said it is looking into “human factors,” including the train operator’s actions.
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“We apologize for this unfortunate incident, to the riders who were aboard this Green Line trolley yesterday, and to riders who continue to be disrupted by the shut down,” MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said in a statement. “Safety continues to be our top priority and this incident is unacceptable.”
Once the investigation into the derailment concludes, MBTA personnel will make necessary repairs to restore service, according to Wednesday’s news release.
“We’re working alongside our federal and state partners to understand what happened to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Eng said. “We know this unplanned service change is a challenge, and we thank our riders for their patience at this time.”
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