THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Page 9 MBTA ready for winter T he MBTA recently announced infrastructure, vehicle and management initiatives embarked on this year that continue the MBTA’s continually improving preparations in advance of the winter season. In preparation for winter, many actions related to infrastructure have been taken to best prepare the MBTA for extreme cold and snow/ice conditions. System-wide tree trimming took place along Commuter Rail and subway rightof-way areas with the continued real-time monitoring at critical Commuter Rail interlockings, including switch heaters, third rail heaters and trip heaters. This year the Railroad Operations Emergency Operations Center will again be operational with the ability to address potential impacts quickly and efficiently. With specifAuthority (MSBA) approval of the middle-high school building project. “This document includes a detailed description of the limitations of each school’s ic locations noted to be prone to commercial power outages, mobile generators will continue to be pre-deployed during instances of extreme weather conditions. Investments in the MBTA’s fleet of snow-fighting vehicles continue this year with the replacement of two snow fighters and the addition of two multipurpose Unimog vehicles outfitted with snow-fighting attachments. MPI locomotive fleets also continue to undergo field modifications to resolve moisture intrusion. Last winter season, a few lessons learned were noted, with management areas of improvement including a focus on improving the response to Level 1 and Level 2 storm events. The MBTA’s Maintenance Control Center will have an increased role in storm manageREVIEW REPORT | from page 8 facilities, necessary improvements, and planned programmatic and curricular upgrades,” the state report notes. “The Saugus Educational Plan does not contain essential ment with leadership from the T’s Engineering and Maintenance Team specifically assigned to storm-related activities; the Team also conducted their first-ever dry run exercise in preparation for this winter season. A more robust digital reporting process has also been deployed this year with the MBTA piloting a collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Drone Team on post-storm flights, assessing specific MBTA facility locations for snow removal. Also new this year are reduced winter storm schedules for the Green Line, a new internal communication plan for operators during reduced schedules, a revised 2019/2020 Snow and Ice Plan, and a system-wide Table Top winter drill exercise planned for December 6. components of a DIP, including goals for improved student outcomes, specific improvements in academic performance, and a clear and explicit framework for improvement. “Some current SIPs detail Customers continue to be encouraged to use mbta.com/ winter for full MBTA Winter Weather Service Information. During non-storm days, mbta. com/winter features information on what customers can expect during the winter months. If severe weather is in the forecast, mbta.com/winter becomes a one-stop information page featuring an overview of the MBTA’s service plan and anticipated impacts. In the event of a severe emergency, the T will also provide up-to-date service information on in-station digital screens. The T also encourages customers to prepare for their winter commutes by staying connected: sign up for T-Alerts, follow @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on Twitter, use the Transit app or the MBTA commuter rail app and visit mbta.com/winter to specific goals for student outcomes and offer leaders a means for assessing progress toward these goals; however, most do not include essential components of effective SIPs.” The report cites The 2018– 2019 Lynnhurst Elementary learn about service information. Since the winter of 2015, the MBTA has upgraded track and signal infrastructure, invested in snow-fighting equipment, and stocked up on replacement parts for vehicles, making more than $101 million in investments in winter resiliency. Last winter 23.4 total inches of snow fell in the MBTA service area, with about 43 percent of that total during the month of March and challenging poststorm freezing conditions during the months of January and February. Last year was the first year of global snow contracting with 14 treatment occurrences. Snow-fighting equipment was pre-deployed in key areas (Braintree, Ashmont, Forest Hills and Mattapan) – with no full system shutdowns or closures in MBTA service. School SIP as one that “meets a high standard.” “This plan provides a detailed accounting of student outcomes for the prior school year as assessed by multiple measures; REVIEW REPORT | SEE PAGE 10 WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. Collision Repair Shop for Geico, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Progressive and more! * Over 30 Years of putting families back on the Road Safe & Fast! * ATLAS Stands Behind All Repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty 1605 North Shore Road, Revere * 781-284-1200 Visit us at: www.AtlasAutobody.com or call (781) 284-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
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