Massachusetts has one of the most heavily used light rail lines in the country – the Green Line, named accordingly as it primarily passes through a place known as the Emerald Necklace of Boston. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs this streetcar system, which is the oldest line of Boston’s subway with an average of 232,000 people riding it on any given weekday. Have you ever taken the Green Line to work, to shop or to visit friends or family in another area?
Since the Green Line will take you through Downtown Boston and Back Bay, it is no wonder why so many people have chosen this convenient method of transportation over driving. Still, the Green Line is not perfect and is subject to scrutiny recently by its own passengers. This criticism is due to the accident that occurred two days ago when the trolley derailed, struck an empty trolley, and injured some of its passengers as well as its operator.
The accident occurred between Brigham Circle and Longwood Medical Area stops on the “E” line. Many people were injured and both trolleys suffered significant damage. An estimated 24 people were on the train, 3 of which were taken to the hospital to be treating for their injuries. These injured passengers, along with the operator of the trolley, complained of neck and back pain. Even though the number of accidents on MBTA lines has decreased in the past few years, the statistics provide little to no comfort to the victims of the latest accident.
MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo indicated that a “switch was not in the proper position at the crossover section on the tracks, leading to the derailment.” Since it took some time to get the train back on the rails, bus service was provided in between the affected stops in the afternoon.
Accidents on MBTA line are not only discomforting due to the injuries but also are inconvenient to its daily passengers. Restoration of train service did not occur until the following day. MBTA claims that most accidents that have occurred in the past few years could not have been “preventable,” but the most recent accident was admittedly due to human error.
Altman & Altman, LLP urges its readers who are also Boston commuters to take care and arrive to their destination safely this fall. The MBTA is a reliable form of transportation on most days, but take caution when riding on trains or buses as accidents do happen. Employees of the MBTA are often recognized for their commendable treatment of infants and toddlers, but more safety standards need to be in place to ensure a safe ride for all commuters. If you ever find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, then you should seek medical attention immediately even if injuries appear to be minor at first. It is also important for you to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can assist you in getting compensation for your injuries.
Source: Operator, Passengers Injured when MBTA Trolley Derails and Hits another Train, Boston.com, Metro Desk, October 8, 2012