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Amtrak, Commuters Prep For Possible Strike

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Jan 9, 2008 8:46 am US/Eastern

Amtrak, Commuters Prep For Possible Strike

BOSTON (AP) ― The MBTA is preparing for a potential Amtrak strike later this month that could create havoc for Boston commuters.

The MBTA owns most of the commuter rail track that carries suburban riders. But Amtrak dispatches all service in and out of South Station, which handles 60 percent of the MBTA's commuter trains.

Amtrak also operates the track between Boston and Providence.

A strike would nearly shut down South Station, forcing thousands of commuters on to subways, buses or into their own personal vehicles.

The legal right for Amtrak workers to strike begins on January 30th.

An emergency presidential panel created to avert a strike made raise and compensation recommendations last week that the unions liked. But Amtrak would probably need help from Congress to pay for it.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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