Noise levels on red line

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Has anyone used a sound meter to measure the noise level on the red line between Harvard Sq and Alewife? Especially, between Harvard Sq and Davis Sq? I bet it's more than 110 dBs. If one takes the T twice a day, for extended periods of time, I bet that one incurs hearing damage, especially in the low frequency ranges. Clearly, there are more important issues the MBTA is dealing with, but if the noise levels are above what sound exposure regulations permit, I'd say that customers should know about it.

Comments

[m00n.livejournal.com]

I have to disagree with D'Allesandro's fear mongering about this, even though I am whole heartedly in agreement with the overall tenor of his report. Even in the unlikely event that a train were to suddenly derail in this section of tunnel at the full operating speed of 45 mph (which it only reaches for a few seconds generally) it is very unlikely that anyone would sustain an injury more severe than bumps and bruises or *maybe* a broken bone. One cannot say the same thing about driving the same route in a car.

What if...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

The derailed train damages the electric wiring in the tunnels and there is also a fire? Even without a fire, probably people could die, or sustain brain injuries, if they slam their heads. Right now, it looks like we don't have objective risk assessment. D'Alessandro and helpers generated the report, but many people say it's hyped. So, we are left with fictional scenarios, speculations, and our own fears.

There's a huge difference

[http://users.livejournal.com/_mattt/]

One is always dangerous. The other was made dangerous.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity.

In comparison, subway riding is normally far safer. However, wrongdoing on the part of the MBTA/State has led to an excessively dangerous situation in the tunnel section in question.

Re: There's a huge difference

[m00n.livejournal.com]

Yes. Still much safer than driving, but way more dangerous than it needs to be.