Ex-MBTA chief Scott says agency 'needs a state takeover,' in interview

BOSTON —  In an interview with CommonWealth Magazine, former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority GM Beverly Scott said the MBTA needs a state takeover.

When asked about Governor Baker's plan to have a chief administrative officer and a control board to stay on top of issues like high absenteeism and capital spending, Scott said:

"While excessive absenteeism is definitely a longstanding problem at the T and many other transit systems — and, an issue which I have put quite a bit of work into addressing — the 57 number [average number of days that an MBTA employee misses annually, according to the recent special commission report] is grossly overstated.

The other one that sticks out for me is the $2.2 billion in unspent capital dollars. I will be the first to say that while the T has significantly improved its project delivery, there is still more to be done. But the idea that there is $2.2 billion budgeted, approved, and just sitting around in the agency’s coffers not being used is not the case," CommonWealth Magazine reported. For the full interview, click here.