MBTA to get rid of seats on Red Line cars

BOSTON -- The MBTA plans to test new train cars that have almost no seats as it tries to make more room for increased numbers of riders.

The transit system will roll out a Red Line train Monday with two cars that have just two seats each, compared to the 53 seats on a normal car. The modified cars create standing room for 27 more passengers.

The MBTA says it will add more modified cars if customers like them, but insists there will still be plenty of room on the Red Line for people who prefer to sit. It typically operates 168 cars during the afternoon rush hour.

The T said Thursday that ridership increased 5.5 percent in October, compared to the same month a year ago. It was the 10th straight month that ridership was up.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)