MBCR Faces Fines After Delays; New Commuter Rail Train Debuts

BOSTON (CBS) - The contractor that runs the MBTA Commuter Rail System, the MBCR, will be fined $480,000 dollars, according to MassDOT.

The fine is a result of the delays during the month of January. According to its contract, the MBCR must be on time 90 percent of the time, or face penalties. In January, Commuter Rail trains were late 27% of the time. This is the worst month for commuter rail delays in than four years, according to state officials.

Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan has called a meeting with the MBCR for next Monday.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.

He tells us, "I'm disappointed, I'm frustrated, I understand our customers are frustrated. We have to do better."

Mullan say a major part of the problem is the old equipment, as well as the frigid temperatures and the 4 major snow storms in January.

Today, the T debuted its new diesel locomotive. Officials say it will be more reliable in the cold weather. This is the first new Commuter Rail engine since 1988. Nearly half of the locomotives were built in the 1970s.

The MBCR released a statement: "MBCR and the MBTA are totally focused on restoring the quality of commuter rail service. Our dedicated, hard-working 1,800 member staff continues to work around the clock to combat the cumulative effect of unrelenting harsh winter weather on aged locomotives, coaches and infrastructure. Despite the tremendous fatigue on equipment and infrastructure, MBCR expects a return to normal service levels in the days and weeks ahead."