Boston to shut major rail line after safety problems

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced a 30-day shutdown of its Orange Line metro service – which provides nearly 100,000 trips a day – after rising concerns about safety.

The shutdown, which will start from 19 August, comes in the wake of several incidents, including a train fire last month which prompted the evacuation of 200 people and the rescue of one person who escaped by jumping into a river.

According to the agency, the incident was caused by a piece of metal that runs along the base of the train coming loose.

"We've listened to our riders, and we hear them loud and clear – bold action needs to happen in order to improve the MBTA at the pace that...