'Excessive' MBTA absences led to bad service during storms
A report found that 15% of all MBTA employees took at least one day of paid leave during a stretch this winter when the agency was struggling to maintain and restore services disrupted by repeated winter storms.
Courtesy MDOT
Courtesy MDOT
BOSTON — Unscheduled absences of MBTA employees contributed to the cancellation of more than 6,400 bus trips during January and February, according to an excerpted draft of the governor's task-force report, Sentinal & Enterprise reported.
The report, which cited "excessive absenteeism" as an example of "weak" management at the transit agency, found that 15% of all MBTA employees took at least one day of paid leave during a stretch this winter when the agency was struggling to maintain and restore services disrupted by repeated winter storms.
RELATED:MBTA's Bev Scott resigns amidst Boston weather issues
Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this year convened a task force of transportation experts to look at the governance, operations and finances of the MBTA in the wake of service failures resulting from record snowfall in late January and February. The full report is expected to be released later this week, but snippets have been released by the administration, the Sentinal & Enterprise reported. For the full story, click here.
More Management
NITA Proposes $5B Operating Budget, $9.7B Capital Program for 2027
The proposed budget includes funding for expanded transit service, safety initiatives, fleet upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Read More →
Financing, Fleet Replacement Requires a More Strategic Approach
Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →