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Long Delays, Packed Trains Make For Miserable Commuter Rail Travel

BOSTON (CBS) -- News that the MBTA had restored nearly all service was no comfort to frustrated commuter rail riders on Monday morning.

Mac Daniels, a spokesman for commuter rail operator Keolis, said trains were operating on a reduced schedule. Passengers experienced delays of up to 45 minutes and there were very crowded trains on several lines, Daniels said.

The worst delays were reported on the Worcester-Framingham line. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito tweeted that it took her more than two hours to get from Worcester to South Station.

MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that while "the old T has come roaring back," commuter rail is still having problems.

"Commuter rail is lagging, that's going to take some more time," Scott said. "But once again very good progress is being made on that end."

Keolis said it could be "sometime in March" before riders see normal service restored. The commuter rail is currently running at 62 percent of normal schedule and plans to add three locomotives per week to service after repairs, Daniel said.

Fed-up riders took to social media to blast the commuter rail's performance, especially when they saw trains roll by their stations without picking anyone up, which Keolis said was necessary because the trains were so crowded.

Keolis said the capacity issues were partially due to students going back to school after February break.

Rider demand has remained steady since before the first blizzard in January, but train equipment and capacity have been diminished by the conditions, Daniels said.

Daniels said Keolis is working to increase train capacity and to reduce potential safety risks posed by overcrowded trains.

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