BOSTON (WHDH) - T riders are preparing for changes to their commute due to the Orange Line shutdown, which goes into effect Friday night at 9 p.m.
“I’m so stressed, but I still have to come everyday, so I’m going to do my best,” Lisa McGinley, an Orange Line rider, said. “I think I’m going to try to utilize the commuter rail.”
Experts have warned that the month-long shutdown could create gridlock in areas in and around the city. Officials in other cities affected by the shutdown have also expressed concern about the impact on their residents who rely on public transportation.
Mike Pradhan, who takes the Orange Line to work everyday, said that he’s going to be taking the shuttle busses. He told 7NEWS he expects a disruption to his schedule.
“I’m going to be late to work or I have to get up early,” Pradhan said.
Riders also expressed concerns about riding crowded busses during the shutdown, something that riders said is forcing them to consider wearing a mask when taking public transportation due to concerns about COVID-19.
“They stop at every stop and like squish us like sardines,” McGinley said.
McGinley added that she’ll likely be one of the people masking up, though she doesn’t want to.
Riders said that they are looking forward to the return of the Orange Line in September.
“You just got to roll with the punches,” Pradhan said.
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