Fairmount riders out of luck due to a switch that got stuck

To be clear, there was an alleged problem at the switch on the rails. The train was ok.

The switch just north of the Fairmount platform assures that trains access the platform. At that junction a 2-track line narrows to one track for platform access toward the Franklin branch but also to switch into the CSX rail yard. This is all part of the "Dana-Hill Interlocking".

An interlocking, in layman's terms, controls train flow over complex switches and connecting rail branches, or tracks that travel in different directions.

The writer(s) suggest this is a winter weather issue. Possibly, but a switch at an interlocking may not move due to other things including other trains nearby, an electrical fault, of operator control. Dana-Hill can be controlled at the little shack bearing that name just across from the Fairmount platform. You sometimes, if not always, may find someone in there.

There is also a signal there telling the train to go or not go. A train operator has no way of knowing why there is a red light, so the rules say stop. They cannot proceed unless they get specific orders to do so, otherwise they could loose their jobs and even face criminal charges. If the dispatcher tells them to go through the red light, the dispatcher has a mile of paperwork to do and so does the train operator. This assumes the dispatcher, located elsewhere, knows why the signal is red and is willing to take the chance. If the dispatcher doesn't know why, and cannot see another train nearby on their display board, they have to find out why.

Is the signal malfunctioning? Is the switch malfunctioning? Is there another train on the track that is not showing on the display board? Is there another problem not defined? Until they have all of the facts, the train cannot move.

This is not the MBTA or Keolis making a bad decision. This is those agencies making a good decision as based on the laws and regulations set forth on a national scale by the Federal Railroad Administration and several other related agencies to assure passenger safety. The MBTA and Keolis are not at liberty to set aside these laws. They must adhere to them. If a condition is found that requires an exception, there is a mile of paperwork to be processed, and that only happens after everything is triple-checked and with additional management layers of approval.

It stinks when this happens and it is terribly inconvenient. Sadly, most riders only see their personal inconvenience and do not understand the behind-the-scenes efforts to make it right, which can sometimes take time.

Trains don't move sometimes for good or legal reasons. It's not always because of a broken signal, train, or rail.

The response from the MBTA Twitter said it was a switch problem. Maybe, and maybe not. That was the quick and non-technical answer. The train was waiting at a signal prior to the switch. It's easy to say a switch problem to appease the riders, and keeping in mind they only have 140 characters to work with. Maybe it was the switch and maybe something else related. In the end, all riders want is to move.

thought for about ten seconds about taking the train this morning, but so glad I drove! Really hope Baker or someone else figures out a solution to this mess! And I would be happy to pay more in the gas tax to pay for MBTA, road repairs, etc.