Providence Line riders stranded four hours after breakdown

Passengers on a Providence-bound MBTA commuter train were delayed for about four hours Tuesday after a mechanical problem stopped the train near Ruggles in Boston. Riders described spending hours in a dark, stuffy train before being escorted along the tracks to Ruggles, where they faced further delays and little information about when they could continue their trip. The MBTA said the problem was caused by fall leaves affecting the train’s braking and said passengers were safely transferred to another train. One rider called the experience a potential learning opportunity for the agency, while stressing that poor communication compounded the ordeal.