T quiet car program begins smoothly

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By Globe Staff

MBTA General Manager Richard Davey says the implementation of the MBTA's pilot "quiet car" program is going smoothly.

"So far, so good. The early reports I've received are positive," Davey said in a telephone interview. "The morning commute tends to be quieter anyways. I think tonight will probably be a good test as folks are unwinding from a long day."

The T and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad are beginning the program today on peak morning and evening trains on the Fitchburg and Franklin lines of the commuter rail.

Customers in the designated quiet car — the car closest to the locomotive — will be expected to refrain from using cellphones; to keep their conversations with other riders brief and whispered; and to set phones, laptops, pagers, and other devices to silent or vibrate.

If the 90-day pilot is a success, which officials expect, the program will be extended to all commuter rail lines.

Davey said some commuters this morning didn't seem to know of the existence of the quiet car. They'll be reminded again this afternoon by announcements in the station and by conductors on the trains.

"We've got to get the word out," he said.

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