ICYMI: Man Begs To Drive Orange Line Train, Won't Take 'No' For An Answer

One man’s dream of becoming an MBTA conductor backfired on Tuesday when authorities say he tried to shove his way into the motorman compartment of an Orange Line train at State Street.

Now, Reece D. Conrad, 44, of Chicago, has been changed with disorderly conduct and interfering with public transportation. He was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Wednesday.

According to police’s recollection, when asked what he was thinking, he replied, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

The operator of the train explained that around 11:30 p.m., Conrad came to his window and asked if he could take over conductor duties. The operator declined.

While riding the train, Conrad pressed the emergency intercom button twice, insisting to be given a chance to drive the train, and was repeatedly told “no.”

The final straw allegedly came about when Conrad pulled the emergency stop lever and tried to enter the motorist booth by force, at which point he was subdued by the operator and another passenger.

MBTA Police picked up Conrad at Tufts Medical stop. His bail has been set at $500.

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