Orange Line Delays: Another Morning of Major Problems

Shuttle buses were said to be needed this morning as a track problem shut down the Orange Line between North Station and Community College.

The problem would be fixed, shuttle buses avoided, but the delays remained severe. As of just after 9 a.m., the delays were upgraded to "moderate", the MBTA said.

For commuters coming into Downtown Boston from Malden, Melrose, Somerville, Charlestown, Cambridge and other cities and towns, it is the latest in a recent string of Orange Line meltdowns.

Is there reason for optimism? Maybe long-term - the MBTA has just awarded a major contract to upgrade the Orange and Red Lines.

But it could get much worse before it gets better. Except for a light dusting Sunday night and a recent cold stretch, winter weather hasn't even truly begun.