Mr. Chairman, in lieu of my normal format, I will report to the Board about safety, service, employees, fiscal responsibility and innovation in the context of the record amounts of snow that feel in the metropolitan Boston area during the month of January.
Certainly, the last five weeks have been one of the most challenging months at the MBTA in recent memory. Between December 27th and February 2nd, the region has experienced four major storm events, sub-zero temperatures, and ever piling up snow along our rights of way, yards and parking lots.
SAFETY
Despite the increased hazards related to severe weather conditions, the MBTA was able to operate all modes of transportation and maintenance activities. During the month of January we had 52 weather-related reported employee accidents/injuries. It should be noted that these are only reported accidents and that many of which did not result in any lost time. Additionally, during January we reported 32 customer injuries of which only 2 appear to be weather related. This is significant as it demonstrates the major efforts of Engineering & Maintenance and Operations personnel in keeping platforms clear of snow and ice.
A man who lists St. Francis House on Boylston Street as his address was arrested yesterday on charges he began groping a woman he'd been staring at for several stops on a train heading toward Forest Hills.
