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January 9, 2008

MBTA preparing for possible Amtrak strike

BOSTON -- The MBTA is preparing for a potential Amtrak strike later this month that could create havoc for Boston commuters.

The MBTA owns most of the commuter rail track that carries suburban riders. But Amtrak dispatches all service in and out of South Station, which handles 60 percent of the MBTA's commuter trains.

Amtrak also operates the track between Boston and Providence.

A strike would nearly shut down South Station, forcing thousands of commuters on to subways, buses or into their own personal vehicles.

The legal right for Amtrak workers to strike begins on Jan. 30.

An emergency presidential panel created to avert a strike made raise and compensation recommendations last week that the unions liked. But Amtrak would probably need help from Congress to pay for it.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 12:40 PM | Permalink

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