Photo: File Photo
REVERE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The weeks-long Sumner Tunnel shutdown is around its halfway point and so far riders that have been taking the Blue Line during the shutdown are happy with service.
The tunnel shut down back on July 5 and will remain closed until the end of August. With the major artery connecting Logan Airport and East Boston to the city closed, MassDOT and the MBTA urged commuters to use the Blue Line and Commuter Rail instead of driving.
With recent issues across the MBTA, including slow zones along the Blue Line, many riders weren't sure how the Blue Line would handle an influx of riders. However, for many commuters, it's been a pleasant surprise.
"It's been very good," one rider said. "I've definitely noticed a lot more people on the way back from Boston at around 4 p.m. but it's been running pretty well."
The Blue Line has been free during the shutdown and riders have started to notice that the trains are running better and more frequently.
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"I'm noticing that it comes a lot more than it used to," one rider said. "I've been taking the Blue Line for a while and it's not been like that."
The Sumner Tunnel shutdown is expected to end on Aug. 31. The Blue Line will stop being fare-free once the shutdown ends.
WBZ's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
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