MBTA to shut down at 2 p.m. for Hurricane Sandy

The MBTA announced around 10:15 a.m. that it will shut down public transportation at 2 p.m. due to the anticipated severe weather of Hurricane Sandy, which is barreling up the Northeast today.

The Red, Blue, Orange and Green lines, all commuter rail and bus lines will be shut down at 2 p.m., but there will be normal service before that, officials said.

The transit agency announced Sunday that commuter boats would be suspended at the start of service today.

Customers are encouraged to make final MBTA trips as early as possible to ensure safe arrival at their destination, officials said.

“The safety of customers, employees, and infrastructure is the MBTA’s top priority,” the agency said in its announcement, and today a spokesman said on Twitter, “If you do not need to go out stay safe (at) home.”

On Sunday, an MBTA spokesman said the T was keeping a close watch on the weather.

“The MBTA is tracking Hurricane Sandy closely to determine the impact of the storm on our service. While forecasts change hourly, the MBTA is preparing for the impact of the storm beginning early Monday into Tuesday,” Spokesman Joe Pesaturo said Sunday afternoon.
 
The T also planned to deploy extra personnel and equipment throughout the system.  Where appropriate, crews and equipment are being put in place to respond to issues as they occur. Work crews are ready to respond to any storm-related issues that may emerge.
 
“Throughout the storm, safety is our top priority,” Pesaturo said, adding that customer are encouraged to check MBTA.com for service updates or follow the MBTA on Twitter @mbtaGM. Customers interested in receiving text or e-mail updates may sign up for T-Alerts.