Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 5, 2022 ORANGE LINE | FROM PAGE 5 cluding a fi re that led to riders jumping out of the windows of an Orange Line train, and a Federal Transit Administration review that led to a long list of safety directives. Despite the many “plusses” cited by MBTA officials on Wednesday, the shutdown will still severely impact the mobility and day-to-day lives of those who travel the Orange Line daily. The city of Malden hosts no less than two major Orange Line stations: Oak Grove at the northerly end of the line and Malden Center. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson said on Wednesday that he and his staff are already working on a local response to this transportation situation. “I have already met with our team to see if we can do anything to help the situation which includes utilizing the commuter rail to off set the disruption,” Mayor Christenson said as part of a statement released Wednesday afternoon. (See separate story in this issue of The Advocate.) Mass. Governor Charlie Baker urged workers who have the ability to do so to “consider working from home” and likewise encouraged employers to adopt this option for workers and staff if possible. The major revitalization work to take place on the Orange Line during this 30-day shutdown will deliver a number of projects “over five years faster than originally planned,” officials said, and will result in “track replacement, upgraded signal systems, and station improvements.” The MBTA will also be able to accomplish required track maintenance associated with Federal Transit Association (FTA) safety improvement directives as quickly as possible. Major revitalization work will take place along the entirety of the Orange Line – from the northernmost Oak Grove Station in Malden to the southern end of the line at Forest Hills – over 30 days, from August 20 through September 19. “This closure will allow departments across the MBTA to make substantial improvements across the Orange Line,” Mass. Secretary of Transportation Jamey Tesler said at Wednesday’s press conference. “Not only will improvements that are made benefi t Orange Line riders, but they will allow for an overall rehabilitated system that is safe and effi cient for employees and neighboring communities.” “We’ve listened to our riders, and we hear them loud and clear – bold action needs to happen in order to improve the MBTA at the pace that riders deserve. This 30-day surge will allow the MBTA to accomplish major and expansive progress on a number of priorities at the same time,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Thirty days of 24-hour access to the Orange Line [will replace] over fi ve years of weekend diversions needed to address delays and slow zones. We can eliminate slow zones, prevent unplanned service disA 30-day shutdown will enable MBTA offi cials to take a deep dive into a comprehensive maintenance and repair project that would avert weekend closures for up to fi ve years. (Courtesy/MBTA) ruptions, and increase the reliability of our service,” Poftak added. “[Most] importantly, we will provide the quality of safety and service that our riders deserve.” Maximizing the amount of work able to be accomplished, this shutdown will progress a number of projects and maintenance along the entire Orange Line on an accelerated timeline, some of which include: • The installation of upgraded signals and associated systems at Oak Grove and Malden Center Stations, allowing for improved safety and reliability • The replacement of over 3,500 feet of 38-year-old Orange Line track and tie replacement work that will allow for the removal of speed restrictions, improving travel time for Orange Line riders • The replacement of two MBTA ENCOURAGES | FROM PAGE 5 • Seek existing MBTA bus and subway alternatives. Riders can use other existing MBTA bus and subway services to complete their trips. • Consider working from home. During this 30-day shutdown, Orange Line riders who can work from home are strongly encouraged to do so. The MBTA encourages employers with hybrid work policies to allow employees to work from home as much as possible. • Alternative shuttle bus service will be provided. Earlier today the MBTA Board of Directors approved an approximately $37 million contract for shuttle bus service to Yankee Line, Inc. Alternative shuttle bus service will also be provided by MBTA buses. Shuttle bus service will operate in both directions, connecting Oak Grove Station to North Station and Back Bay Station and Forest Hills Station (except for Massachusetts Avenue Station. Riders should expect that this alternative shuttle bus service will take longer and crossovers that facilitate the movement of Orange Line trains, allowing for improved reliability and future capacity improvements • Track repair, tie replacement, concrete work and more along the Southwest Corridor of the Orange Line, which will improve reliability; and future capacity improvements The Orange Line provides approximately 1021,000 trips each day. The present ridership is approximately 49% of what it was prior to the start of the pandemic, in March 2020. **** MBTA webpage designated for information about the planned Orange Line maintenance, upgrade work To keep riders updated about this upcoming Orange Line work, the MBTA has created a specially designated webpage available at mbta.com/BBT2022. be less reliable than regular Orange Line train service. The MBTA is currently discussing options with the City of Boston for how to best service the downtown area and will provide updated information soon. This service will be at no cost to riders and fully accessible. • Parking: The MBTA will continue to charge for parking at MBTA lots and facilities at Orange Line stations and will communicate lost parking impacts related to staged shuttle buses in advance if necessary. ***** The MBTA is committed to providing as much information as possible before, during and after the major and accelerated work to take place on the Orange Line. Ongoing and transparent outreach to riders, communities and stakeholders will continue to take place through all available communication channels, including in-station signage, social media, mbta. com and more. During these 30 days, extra MBTA personnel and Transit Ambassadors will also be on hand to assist riders.
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