No joke. The Red Line train stations are crowded right now, and the trains are even more packed with people. The official word being piped through the speakers at the stations is that a switch problem has developed near JFK/UMass. All riders going to Braintree need to get off the train and switch at JFK/UMass.

The switch problem has caused all trains on the red line to slow down. When contacted, an MBTA customer service rep said that people should expect delays of 20 to 25 minutes. However, based on what we've seen and heard, you should expect delays more along the lines of 45 minutes. Trains are moving toward Alewife, but they aren't moving toward JFK/UMass.

If a train does arrive, good luck getting on one. The train isn't crowded in that "some creep hasn't bothered to move to the middle yet" way. The train is crowded in the traditional cattle car way. Only a few brave, gutsy souls managed to shove their way on at Central Square.

When asked when the next train would arrive, one Red Line train driver simply sighed and said, "I don't know."

The customer service rep said that everything should be back to normal at noon. The rep also added that they wouldn't be running any more buses, which seemed odd because people need to get to work. If you are determined to ride the Red Line, be prepared to elbow your way on board.

"Fingers Hang Out of A Crowded Bus Door" by Jodi Cobb Yes, that is what you should expect while riding the T today.