Are MBTA commuters destined to suffer for the rest of the winter?

"I want riders to know that even in future storms, we will get better,"

"While riders did experience delays over the last few days, we are working to fix these problems, not just accept the problems."

"The regular Red Line schedule requires 20 trains,"

"If the MBTA were to remove all of the oldest Red Line cars from service, customers on platforms would have to wait 45 minutes or more for a train,"

Frigid temperatures and persistent snow have severely strained MBTA operations, producing delays and cancellations and testing commuter patience. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng urged riders to be patient and said the system will improve in future storms, adding that crews are working to fix problems rather than accept them. Snow accumulation blocked bus stops and commuter rail stations, switch equipment froze, and the oldest Red Line cars faltered in single-digit temperatures. The regular Red Line requires 20 trains, but only six newer trains were often available, so older cars remained in service to meet ridership and avoid 45-minute waits. Crews worked around the clock to keep equipment operating safely.

Read at Boston.com