Photo: James Rojas / WBZ NewsRadio
EAST BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) - Entering the second day of the Sumner Tunnel shutdown, commuters have been coping with what's expected to be a major disruption this summer.
Some 39,000 cars use the tunnel every day.
Starting at midnight on July 5, the Sumner closed for repairs and is off-limits to drivers until September.
Meanwhile the MBTA's Blue Line, throughout the closure, is offering free rides that take riders from Wonderland in the Revere Beach area to Bowdoin in Downtown Boston.
Travelers can get discounted tickets on the Logan Express bus.
And parking along the Blue Line has been reduced to two dollars.
For months. transportation officials have been encouraging tunnel commuters to 'Ditch the Drive' and seek alternative ways to travel.
We spoke to Orient Heights commuters on Thursday, and so far, they found the commute relatively smooth. "Not bad actually, I thought it was going to be a lot crazier," Isabella said. She said she was taking advantage of the free ride offered on the Blue Line. "I think it's perfect... it's great." Another commuter said he hopes the free ride lasts "for a while."
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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