Snow Affecting MBTA Service
BOSTON (CBS) - "Fix the MBTA." It's not just the hope of frustrated riders, it's the way one commuter rail customer is airing his concerns online.
Brian Cavoli is pro-public transportation but the recent break downs, delays and lack of communication pushed him over the brink and gave him the idea to use social media for help.
Cavoli, who takes the commuter rail from Mansfield to Boston, set up a Twitter account called @FIXTHEMBTA. He says "it's been an awful week, you're left stranded out in the cold and you don't know if a train's a minute away or an hour away."
Cavoli checks the MBTA website and the general manager's Twitter updates but says the information on delays is lacking.
Cavoli understands the T can't fix the mechanical issues and weather-related issues overnight but says they can fix communication problems.
WBZ-TV's Kathy Curran reports.
Scott Farmelant, the spokesperson for the Mass Bay Commuter Rail, says the MBCR apologizes to riders and knows service was not nearly good enough.
One major problem is salt on the tracks from road crews which causes false signals and delays.
The MBTA says its website struggled Thursday morning because of a record number of hits during the 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. hour. Communication was lacking and winter weather has put trolleys and rails to the test.
Read: MBTA Delays
View: Pictures From You
Brian Cavoli asks one thing, "Let us know what's going on if there are delays. That would help so much."
MBTA general manager Richard Davey is also frustrated. He's looking at ways to improve communication and has demanded an action plan from the T's director of information technology next month.
MBTA GM Richard Davey talks to WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben and David Wade:
MBTA Spokesman Joe Pesaturo pointed out that other transit systems in the region, including Amtrak, also had difficulties on Thursday. He said several customers emailed the MBTA to thank them for good service during Thursday's storm.
