MBTA to remind passengers not to throw trash on the tracks

Sad but true: After last week's Orange Line fire, caused by somebody throwing trash on the third rail (not to be confused with the simultaneous Red Line fire caused by old wiring), the MBTA plans a public-education campaign to get people to use trash receptacles instead of the tracks.

Boston Commissioner Roderick Fraser will record one of those public-service announcements today at the T's subway command center, reminding people that the T put those trash and recycling bins in stations for a reason. In addition:

While MBTA train crews are already required to report trash build-up along the tracks, the MBTA is issuing a reminder to all subway employees about the importance of notifying dispatchers so that a clean-up crew will be deployed. The MBTA is also tightening the protocols for trash pick-up by the MBTA track inspectors who work the overnight shifts while trains are not operating.