Breakdown On MBTA Green Line Highlights Struggles For Passengers In Wheelchairs
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The MBTA is rarely known for being on time, or having freedom from technical difficulties. Amongst all of the subway lines, the Green Line is often recognized for its un-scheduled stops and frequent breakdowns. But today’s breakdown on the Green Line highlighted a different problem, and this time it was personal.
The summer can be the hardest time to travel via train, due to the sweltering heat and power problems that surface when the temperature skyrockets. This afternoon, the Green Line stopped moving right beyond Hynes Convention Center, and the train sat still for almost an hour. Occasionally it puttered forward for a few seconds, but then would stop again. The train’s driver repeatedly came on the loudspeaker to inform passengers that “We are having technical difficulties, and will be moving shortly.” The driver remained amicable throughout the experience, which must have been rather difficult due to the frustrated passengers. However a fellow MBTA employee then climbed aboard and loudly yelled to passengers, “Okay, people! We are going to have you get off the train and walk” and then after recognizing that there were two passengers using wheelchairs, proceeded to yell out the door of the train, “Oh man we got a wheelchair!” While the passengers in wheelchairs didn’t say anything, the MBTA employee demonstrated a blatant lack of tact in her choice of words.
Anyone living in the Greater Boston area is familiar with the MBTA’s recent difficulties, including the May accident that occurred when the driver hit another train from behind while sending text-messages to his girlfriend. While his error in judgment sent 49 individuals to the hospital, I can’t believe all passengers remained unhurt after hearing the MBTA employee’s choice of language today. They may not be able to walk, but these wheelchair-using passengers have no trouble hearing your blatantly rude comments.
A contributing writer to DirectoryofBoston.com, Megan Johnson is originally from Connecticut, but has lived in Boston since age 18. She regularly contributes to Boston Menupages, Butterfly Diary, SweetTalk on the Spot, and Reinventing Beauty Magazine. You can visit her website at www.meganjohnson.tumblr.com
Hi Megan,
I saw your post through Universal Hub. I wanted to let you know, as a member of the MBTA Rider Oversight Committee and someone that is often disappointed with the MBTA’s lack of ability to treat those with physical disabilities equally, I agree this is not ok. I took the liberty of email the link to your post to Gary Talbot who directs the accessibility efforts for the MBTA.
I’m sorry this happened and I hope that with your help, we can get the T employees to a point where, especially in crisis, people are treated with both respect and dignity.
Nathan
Thank you for making this point – so often individuals with disabilities are overlooked, mistreated and/or seen as burdens – If I had been the passenger on the train who needed additional assistance, I know I would’ve been embarrassed (to say the least) by this kind of comment. It’s nice to know that some people ARE paying attention.