METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Interim MBTA boss vows all-hands-on-deck mentality for snowstorms

Frank DePaola, who was named to replace outgoing MBTA chief Beverly Scott, has already created a team to examine what went wrong this winter.

February 26, 2015
Interim MBTA boss vows all-hands-on-deck mentality for snowstorms

Image: MassDOT

1 min to read


Image: MassDOT

BOSTON — The MBTA's new acting GM said to meet his top priority of ensuring trains and trolleys can “weather the next winter,” he plans to import into the public transit system the all-hands-on-deck attitude the state's highway operation uses to combat snowstorms, The Boston Herald reported.

Frank DePaola, who served as the state's highway administrator before the MassDOT board tapped him Wednesday as interim GM to replace outgoing chief Beverly Scott, effective March 4, 2015.

RELATED:Keolis/MBTA make strides with commuter rail snowstorm recovery

He said he has already created a team to examine what went wrong this winter, from logistical to mechanical problems, and create a master plan to fix all the issues to better “weather the next winter,” according to the report.

One of the primary things he intends to look into is finding special snow-trains equipped with massive blowers to shoot the snow far from the tracks. The T, he said, operated its normal subway trains — equipped with plows — over some of the rails during the storms, but they did little to push the record amounts of snow far away from the tracks to prevent drifts from burying the third rail, the Herald reported. For the full story, click here.

More Management

A white, blue, and black graphic with text reading: "Solving The Driver Shortage: What Transit Agencies Can Learn From the Trucking Industry."
ManagementJune 19, 2026

Solving The Driver Shortage: What Transit Agencies Can Learn From the Trucking Industry

See how transit agencies facing persistent driver shortages can learn from the trucking industry’s evolving strategies for recruitment, retention, workplace conditions, and more.

Read More →
A tan, blue, and green graphic with text reading "Record Ridership: World Cup 2026."
Managementby Elora HaynesJune 18, 2026

FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide

See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
A color graphic with LIT's logo and text reading "Now Accepting 2027 Host City Proposals."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 17, 2026

Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit

The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read More →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone Sees Traffic Reduction
Managementby StaffJune 15, 2026

Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone

NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →