MBTA GM: 'The Old T Has Come Roaring Back'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Buoyed by the MBTA's ability to restore nearly all service in time for the work week, General Manager Beverly Scott declared Monday morning that "the old T has come roaring back."
It's the first time since February 1 first that subway and trolley lines have been fully operational since historic snow and extreme cold crippled the public transportation system.
"Capacity and frequency of service will still be less than normal, but once again we're making very good progress," Scott said in an interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Joe Mathieu. "Everything is up and operational, we're just going to continue to plug at it."
But Scott's enthusiasm was likely not shared by riders on the commuter rail, which was still running on a "modified" schedule and reported heavy delays and very crowded trains on Monday morning. Gov. Charlie Baker has demanded that Keolis, the commuter rail operator, provide more reliable service.
"Commuter rail is lagging, that's going to take some more time," Scott said. "But once again very good progress is being made on that end."
Earlier in the month, Scott had estimated that it could take about 30 days to get the system back to full speed. She said the governor's office has been "tremendous" in assisting the MBTA's recovery.
"I think you're going to be able to see your T fully back and in operation," she said.
With the MBTA's recovery plan seemingly running ahead of schedule, Mathieu also asked Scott if she still plans to step down from the job in April.
"It's a personal decision, I think it's time," Scott said, adding that she's looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughter.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Joe Mathieu Reports