Gov. Baker establishes permanent MBTA governing board

Media Contacts
John Stout

Taran Volckhausen

Former Communications Associate, The Public Interest Network

New board’s mission is to ensure more accessible, affordable and sustainable public transit system in Massachusetts

MASSPIRG

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $261.1 million fiscal year 2021 supplemental budget bill last Thursday that established a new MBTA Board of Directors. The new Board of Directors will replace the recently lapsed Fiscal and Management Control Board, created in the wake of MBTA service issues during the winter of 2015.

The new seven-member board will include the MassDOT secretary, an appointee of the MBTA advisory board and five appointees named by the governor. These appointees will have diverse experience that ensures the new board adequately addresses rider safety, operational efficiency and agency finance.



In response, John Stout, transportation advocate for MASSPIRG, issued the following statement:

“The COVID-19 health crisis demonstrated how important public transit is to so many of those living in the greater Boston area. Especially our essential workers, who have kept our state going over the past year and a half, we need to ensure robust public transit service remains a hallmark of our state’s transportation system.”

“We applaud Gov. Baker for creating a permanent MBTA governing body. This new board will ensure the MBTA continues to make smart investments in its infrastructure, maintains transparency with regards to its operations and capital needs, as well as provides a dedicated venue for the public to attend important meetings and speak up about issues and concerns. We look forward to working with the new board in support of more efficient, accessible and sustainable public transit for residents of the Commonwealth.”

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