Freezing Temperatures Cause Widespread Commuter Rail Delays

BOSTON (CBS) – Snow and ice still coat MBTA rails around the region after a wave of recent storms. But on Friday, a new public transportation problem emerged as freezing temperatures caused widespread delays on all Commuter Rail lines.

Keolis Commuter Services spokesman Mac Daniel said there have been delays Friday on all 14 Commuter Rail lines as a result of single digit temperatures that froze equipment on multiple trains.

At North Beverly Station, a train on the Newburyport/Rockland line became disabled when its hydraulic lines froze. Crews were using flares to warm the equipment so a rescue train could bring it to Boston.

Daniel said about 10 trains were pre-cancelled on different lines Thursday night in anticipation of the freezing conditions. The decision was made to free up rails for working trains this morning.

Additionally, more than 10 trains were cancelled on Friday, including heavily used trains on the Worcester-Framingham line.

The worst delays so far Friday morning were about an hour, but Daniel said that could increase as the morning continues.

Passengers are asked to be patient as crews work with limited equipment.

Riders can visit the MBTA Commuter Rail's Twitter page for updates and alerts.