MBTA investigates train departing without operator

[brooklynite]

Source: Fox Boston

BOSTON -- The MBTA is investigating a train departing without an operator.

This is a developing story, stick with MyFoxBoston.com for the latest updates.

Full statement below:

This morning, MBTA officials reported a serious incident on the Red Line south of Boston. At approximately 6:08 AM, an inbound Red Line train departed Braintree Station, without an operator. The train made no station stops, proceeded north just past North Quincy Station, when MBTA Operations personnel de-powered the third rail, bringing the train to a complete stop. T personnel boarded the train, and operated it north to JFK/UMass, where passengers were asked to exit the train on to the platform, so it could be taken out of service and examined. No passengers were injured. MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola said, “Passenger safety is the highest priority for the MBTA and this highly troubling incident is under investigation by Transit Police detectives.”

The investigation includes a look into an initial report that a safety device within the train’s cab may have been tampered with. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and the train operator.

Further updates will be provided when new information is available.

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/30715096/mbta-investigates-train-departing-without-operator

[Helen Borg]

1. Self-driving T test was successful.

[Agschmid]

2. Yup, for most of the southern red line.

Yikes.

[allan01]

3. !!!!!!

[csziggy]

4. Low tech tampering according to one report

"A woman who was on the train told FOX25 that she went into the booth where the conductor sits and saw something tied around the control panel. The passenger said the train went through several stations without stopping and that the lights went out."
http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/30715096/mbta-investigates-train-departing-without-operator

[valerief]

5. The Google Transit! nt