Compressed gas leaks from MBTA bus

December 24, 2008 09:44 AM Email| Comments (7)| Text size – +

By Globe Staff

A leak was discovered this morning in the compressed natural gas tank on top of an MBTA bus traveling in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, an MBTA spokesman said.

The leak on top of the 55 bus was discovered near the end of the bus's route at Queensberry and Jersey Streets, said T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

A driver and two passengers were aboard. There were no injuries. Investigators are working to determine how the tank was damaged, Pesaturo said.

A Boston Fire Department spokesman, Steve MacDonald, said firefighters were called at 7:17 a.m. to the scene. Firefighters let the gas dissipate for about 1 1/2 hours. “You just let it bleed into the atmosphere,” he said.

After the amount of gas escaping had lessened, a T mechanic was able to approach the bus and shut the valve off, he said. The bus was then towed away.

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7 comments so far...

We have already seen some tragic incidents on the T. At what level will we have to see some major catastrophe before the MBTA shapes up? Lately its like the FungWah bus.
The MBTA is the most outrageously mismanaged outfit around. What needs to be done to turn this around? Complaints fall on deaf ears, it seems.

Posted by kristah December 24, 08 10:41 AM

kristah....lighten up. It was only a minor leak. Have you checked your own vehicle lately for any oil leaks? If your car is leaking oil, does that make you a totally inept moron? Give it a rest already.

And Merry Christmas!

Posted by Lenzman December 24, 08 12:29 PM

Careful kristah, don't complain too loudly or they will raise fares again.

Posted by jay m December 24, 08 12:51 PM

In addition to the previous comment, I request that the MBTA considers extending working hours until 1:00 am in Worcester and the surroundings as well.

Worcesters doesn't seem like its in America with no transportation after 9 pm!

Posted by Nart December 24, 08 01:42 PM

Lighten up kristah. It was a minor accident.

Posted by jeremey December 24, 08 01:53 PM

And Merry Christmas!

Posted by Lenzman December 24, 08 05:12 PM

The T should buy new diesel buses instead of overhauling the CNGs. The overhaul will cost about as much as a new diesel bus, and is only expected to keep the CNGs going for another 6 years.

Posted by Allston Parking Refugee December 24, 08 09:22 PM