Two Commuter Rail mishaps have commuters uneasy

(NECN: Jennifer Eagan, Worcester, Mass.) – Two mishaps within twenty-four hours along the Framingham-Worcester train line have some commuters uneasy. “I’m concerned as anyone would be traveling and you expect everything to be perfect” “When you have that many accidents back to back obviously there are concerns.” Monday night two Commuter Rail trains traveled toward each other on the same track at the same time. According to the MBTA, they came within 150 feet of each other before stopping. One train reversed direction and headed back to South Station while the problem was resolved. While no one was hurt, riders were shaken up about what could have been a close call. “The conductor said there was a switching problem and we were on the wrong track.” Tuesday morning, operator error was the apparent cause of an accident on the Worcester line at South Station in Boston. The train came to a sudden stop when it bounced off a steel bumper at the end of the track. 18 people sustained minor injuries. “This is the first time I’ve heard concerns about safety and safety to our passengers will surpass any other issues of service.” Worcester mayor Konstantina Lukes says many residents complain about the trains slow service, but questions of safety are unacceptable. “I don’t want to wait for a time that there are serious consequences…so this has got to be explained now.” Despite the two mishaps in a short time, commuters say they’ll continue to ride the train. “Probably the best time to ride is after an accident because then people are watching for any kind of mishaps.”