Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After a relatively smooth weekend, the Orange Line shuttle buses are facing their first big challenge on the first work day of the shutdown.
The Orange Line shutdown began on Friday, Aug. 19, with shuttles busses replacing service along most of the line. Over the first two full days of the shutdown, riders offered positive reviews of the experience, and as the first day of the week begins, riders seem to be having a smooth commute on the shuttles.
"Pretty good, not too bad," one rider told WBZ's James Rojas. "I came all the way from Commonwealth so it was pretty smooth."
MassDOT had previously warned drivers the shuttle buses could cause delays in key driving areas like Sullivan Square and Leverett Circle. WBZ Traffic reports there was one accident involving a shuttle bus at Wellington Circle around noon on Monday. The crash was described as a "side swipe" between the shuttle and box truck, but it was unclear which vehicle struck the other.
One shuttle bus rider said she didn't see too many traffic issues during her ride.
"It was fine, no traffic," she said. "I also got on the shuttle at 7:10, 7:20 completely fine."
Read More: Driving During The Orange Line Shutdown? Here's What To Avoid
Not all riders have had a smooth transition from trains to shuttle busses for their work commute though.
"It was crazy because now I have to take three buses," one rider said. "I have to go from Winchester to Medford to here and now to Cambridge ... this whole thing is going to be crazy."
The MBTA is also running shuttle buses on the green line from the newly opened Union Square station to Government Center to allow for work on the Green Line Extension. Both the Orange Line shutdown and the partial Green Line shutdown are set to end on Sept. 18.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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