Red Line Moves Above Ground

Red Line riders who travel between the Harvard and Park 'I' stations, after 9 p.m. on week nights and some weekends will have to do so above found for the next two years, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials announced last week.

A major reconstruction program armed at improving the heavily traveled Red Line will cause a nightly switch from ham to bus service MBTA officials said.

Modernization

The $13.7 million project will renovate stations, replace 40-year old track's, and lengthen platforms to accommodate six car trams, the officials added.

"At the end of the project, we will have four brand-new, completely modernized stations and new tracks," said MBTA spokesman Bernard Cohen. "We're Irving to carry on improvements for everyone who rides the Red Line, as well as carrying on service."

According to Cohen, the change will affect an estimated 8000-10,000 people entail more in convenience than any other MBEA projects because the Red Tine is the most heavily traveled, added Cohen.

'A Real Pain'

"Thank God tonight's my last class" of the semester, said Elizabeth Overton, who rides the Red Line twice weekly to attend an I Mension School class, "It's going to be a real pain."

Overton added that she will start driving rather than use the Red Line.

"I have to use the buses, even though I don't like them." Said Cambridge resident Robert Caspar. "We're at the mercy of the reason strudown." He added that when he tried the new system last night, there was a line of buses waiting for passengers.

Cohen said that the night service will include 23 buses, which should cause a six-minute wait as opposed to the former eight minute wait for the train. The war takes into account that people will be switching from the bus to the train," he said.

The wan will be worth it if is alleviates the train's "rough side," said Cambridge resident Sue At chison.

"It's a pain, but you know how when you go around, it squeaks and everything. The 'I' will be better it it's smoother," said another veteran of late night 'I' rides, John W. Bovnron IV '88.