Keolis, MBTA Prepare for Winter Weather Impacting Holiday Travel

Winter Storm Plan activated, crews deployed to keep facilities and equipment operating normally for passengers

BOSTON – December 23, 2017 – Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the MBTA’s commuter rail operating partner, wishes everyone a happy holiday and reminds passengers to exercise caution with snow falling and slippery conditions expected. Keolis crews are sanding and salting platforms and are pre-positioned to help ensure normal operations. Snow and cold temperatures are expected to impact the system today and through Christmas Day.

In addition to sanding and salting areas near commuter rail service, de-icer has been applied to coach doors to help minimize dwell times and keep train departures on time. Switch heaters have been activated in key areas to ensure a normal flow of train traffic.

Recent forecasts from the National Weather Service anticipate a range of snow totals impacting the region from the evening of Sunday, December 24 through the morning of Tuesday, December 26. Crews will be prepositioned to keep passenger areas free of snow and ice.

Equipment such as snow-fighters and flangers will be in position and deployed as snow becomes plowable.

“Our goal is to make holiday travel as easy as possible on the commuter rail,” said Tory Mazzola, Director of Public Affairs, Keolis. “We plan to operate normal service and want to remind our passengers to exercise caution getting to and from trains and on platforms.”

“On Sunday, extra trains will run from Providence and South Station, a convenient option for fans who wish to see the New England Patriots play the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Crews will also deploy to Foxboro to ensure platforms, ramps and walkways are clear for fans.”

The Passenger Information Center will be operating its regular hours through the weekend and holiday. Customers may call 617-222-3200 with comments or questions on service, visit mbta.com or follow the commuter rail on Twitter at @MBTA_CR.