Gov. Baker's Team on MBTA Report: 'It's Time to Push the Restart Button'

By MIKE BEDNARSKY (Patch Staff)

Governor Charlie Baker released a detailed report compiled by the MBTA special panel and outlined a plan of action to reform and improve the MBTA on Wednesday.

The report “offers organizational, operational reforms to create a well-managed, cost effective transportation system,” according to the governor.

The report, entitled “Back on Track: An Action Plan to Transform the MBTA,” is available to view online.

“The panel’s hard work gives us action items to improve service reliability, correct the failures and rescue the system our economy relies on,” Governor Baker said.

The 50-page report focus on 9 findings including chronic capital underinvestment, a shortsighted expansion program and accountability issues.

From a press conference at the State House, the Baker Administration announced recommendations to expedite the carrying out of a better system:

• Creation of a Fiscal and Management Control Board to enforce new oversight and management support, and increase accountability over a 3-5 year time-frame.
• An increase in MBTA self-generated revenue from fares, advertising and real estate, as well as through grants and federal programs.
• The building of a firewall between the operating and capital budgets - the construction of one, five and twenty year plans for each.
• A dedicated state-funded capital program to modernize vehicles and infrastructure and pause construction spending for system expansion (except for federally-funded projects) until such a plan is in place.
• Customer-oriented performance management and the strengthening of communications.
• Rationalization and reformation of system routes, including buses.