MBTA launches stopped-train messages on countdown clocks

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on Tuesday introduced new "stopped-train" messaging on its countdown clocks along the Red, Orange and Blue heavy-rail lines, as well as at Mattapan Trolley stops.

When a train has spent two minutes or longer than predicted in an area of track, the clocks will notify passengers how many stations away it stopped. Previously, the countdown clocks became "stuck" and simply displayed the last estimated time of arrival for a train, according to an agency press release.

The MBTA developed the new stopped-train messaging in response to rider feedback for better real-time communication.

"This new feature is in line with our ongoing mission to improve the customer experience," said MBTA General Manager Luis Manuel Ramirez. "By addressing a common customer complaint, this improvement provides useful information to our customers while minimizing potential confusion caused countdown signs when trains are stopped."

The upgrade is part of the agency's efforts to improve real-time information available to passengers. Other efforts include mobile apps and displaying next-train arrival information on street-level signs.

This fall, the MBTA aims to introduce the stopped-train messaging on Green Line light-rail station countdown clocks.