T troubles

At noon today (Tuesday), this was the MBTA's transit update for commuter rail:

Fitchburg train # 418 delayed 45 minutes @ Concord station with operational difficulties.

Fitchburg #421 ob trip delayed 15 minutes.

Framingham train #518 1031a trip 20 minute delay, due to engine problem.

Providence train #806 (710a) trip will be running 90 minutes late, due to engine problems.

S.Attleboro train #808 will be 45 minute delay due to the disabled train.

S.Attleboro train #810 will be 10 minutes late due to earlier disabled.

Not a good day, especially when the region needs the T more than ever. Readers are writing about stiflingly hot cars and late, late trains. Here are a few emails:

Molly from points unknown:"I am writing to protest the dangerous conditions on the so-called 6:20 p.m. train from South Station last evening (July 17th). Not only was the train delayed but when we finally boarded, of the approximately 8 cars, only 2 had air conditioning. It was easily over 100 degrees in those cars so most of us crammed ourselves into the only two cars that were cool. Surely they can do better than this!"

Steve of Natick:"Why isn't the MBTA using the tunnels being closed to gain new riders with reliable service?  I would expect them to try to use the boost in ridership to showcase their system and to win riders from the ranks of the driving commuters.  Instead service in the last week has been an embarrassment to them and the system.  On the Framingham/Worcester line we have been stuffed into trains that are not air conditioned, over-crowded and late.  Today my train was over an hour late, last night it was 45 minutes late.  It is a shame that they are not trying to win new riders.  They are letting this great opportunity slip through their fingers."