Monday, December 21, 2009

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Unplowed parking lots frustrate commuter rail riders

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RANDOLPH, Mass. -- The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad has vowed to reimburse passengers who were unable to park at certain stations Monday due to unplowed lots.

A miscommunication between the MBCR and its employees resulted in parking lots at station in Brockton, Holbrook and Randolph failing to be cleaned up in time for the morning commute.

After receiving complaints from commuter rail travelers, the MBCR rushed plow crews to the lots. As of noon Monday, workers were still clearing out the snow.

"It's a little late for that," said attorney Norm Silk, who watched the snow plows in action at the Randolph station.

This year, commuter rail parking lot plowing duties were transferred from private contractors to MBCR crews. Yet apparently the appropriate MBCR workers were never alerted to their new winter weather responsibilities.

In a statement released Monday, the MBCR said, "Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the failure to clear snow from commuter rail station parking lots. MBCR will reimburse the cost for parking for all customers parking in the impacted lots today and will have staff on hand at affected stations throughout the day to assist customers."

The MBCR advised those drivers seeking a refund to hold onto their receipts.

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