MBTA Shuts Down For Day
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- The Boston area's public transportation authority stopped all services after 8 a.m. Sunday, as Hurricane Irene closed in on the region.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority says all its services -- including bus, subway and commuter rail -- have been shut down until Monday.
The MBTA released the following statement Saturday night:
"At the request of health care institutions in Greater Boston, the MBTA has agreed to provide service - on all modes - until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, so that medical professionals and support staff may get to their jobs before the worst of the storm batters the area.
For others considering using MBTA services tomorrow morning, please be advised that no service will be available after 8:00 a.m.
After 8:00 a.m., all modes of transit will be shut down for the remainder of the day and night."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Don Huff reports
Podcast
The center of the hurricane is expected to hit the state at midday Sunday, bringing heavy rains, flooding and high winds.
CHECK: Boston Commuter Guide
The MBTA said it made the decision to shut down for the safety of its customers and employees.
It said the shutdown will also allow it to focus on making sure it's ready to resume normal operations by the Monday morning commute.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
