BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is taking new steps to try to identify hot axles after they were identified as a factor in two recent derailments.
The MBTA has applied heat-sensitive tape to axles on the commuter railroad’s passenger coaches in hopes of spotting problems before axles fail, the Boston Herald reports. Keolis Commuter Services, operator of the MBTA trains, is also installing equipment to monitor the pitch of trains as their pass. “If there’s any change in pitch … it’s another way for us to see an indication that this may be a problem,” says Dan Grabauskas, executive director of MBTA’s commuter rail operations.
The MBTA will also install fare gates at three main stations to address fare evasion, which the agency estimates cost it $10 million to $20 million last year, Commonwealth Magazine reports.
The gates will be installed at the North, South, and Back Bay stations, involved in 90 percent of commuter rail journeys. They will be able to read plastic, electronic, paper, and Amtrak tickets.
The agency also announced several hirings and promotions. Rob DiAdamo will become executive director of commuter rail, replacing Grabauskas, who was in the position as an outside consultant. David Panagore, who has been town manager of Provincetown. Mass., will become the MBTA’s chief administrative officer. Laurel Paget-Seekins is being promoted to assistant general manager for policy, and Mike Muller is promoted to assistant general manager for strategic initiatives.
