Rick Dimino

Greater Boston’s transit system is in a state of uncertainty, leading to major questions about the future of the MBTA. Gov. Maura Healey inherited a system in disrepair but is showing that there is a plan to turn around the region’s transit system. With her recent appointments to the MBTA board of directors and other key positions in state government we are getting closer to solving the biggest obstacles that are holding back the MBTA.

The governor’s recent appointments to MBTA management and its board produced a talented and capable group to lead the agency. Phil Eng, an experienced transit executive, now leads the MBTA as general manager. The selection of former Massport CEO and former MBTA general manager Tom Glynn to chair the board will result in effective partnership, because Glynn brings an unrivaled background in managing difficult transportation challenges and political dynamics in the Boston region.

Furthermore, the appointment of Tom McGee, former mayor of Lynn and former chair of the state legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee, will provide critical municipal perspective and strengthen the opportunity for collaboration on Beacon Hill. With the inclusion of Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca and MassDOT Safety Chief Patrick Lavin, this group possesses successful backgrounds and credibility, just at the time when federal resources are available to improve infrastructure.

Healey also created a new federal relations team that is an ideal complement to the state transit officials in maximizing federal dollars that could otherwise go to other parts of the nation. Will Rasky, the administration’s new director of federal affairs, and Quentin Palfrey, director of federal funds and infrastructure, both worked in the Biden administration in agencies that continue to distribute large infrastructure grants.

Their expertise and network should improve the chances that Massachusetts secures grants worth more than a billion dollars in federal funds. These grants can not only boost the state’s economy and work towards decarbonization goals but also advance crucial transportation projects like the Cape Cod Bridge repairs, the Red-Blue Connector and the I-90 Allston Multimodal project.

State Decisions Will Drive Changes

While there is appropriate focus on the federal dollars, fixing the MBTA’s immediate challenges will be directly related to actions from state government. Healey’s team will need to prioritize the near-term service improvements, such as eliminating slow zones on the subway system, increasing the number of bus drivers and bringing online the new Orange and Red Line subway vehicles. This can help win back riders and show the MBTA can deliver safe and reliable service.

While this is happening, this new team will need to overcome the true challenge that plagued previous leadership groups at the MBTA: How to properly address the future operating costs and capital investment plans of the system. The anticipated budget deficit one year from now will exceed $400 million dollars a year and will grow higher in future years. Solving this will require tough decisions and a broad coalition that includes the legislature. However, if we want a safe transit system that supports a vibrant economy and makes progress on carbon emission goals and equity goals, the difficult budget tradeoffs cannot be ignored.

Restoring the public trust and confidence in the T is paramount. In addition, if this transit team requests new funding or changes in current law that reduce restrictive rules or adds flexibility for management, then a broad coalition of elected officials, businesses and riders should be ready to support these plans. A comprehensive transportation finance plan combined with new rules on procurement, hiring and improved capital delivery is necessary to bring fundamental changes. State and transportation officials should begin presenting all viable options for solving the MBTA’s budget needs before the end of 2023.

Borrow Against Income Surtax?

A new approach towards utilizing the Millionaire’s Tax funding should also be considered. There are significant benefits to creating a multi-year borrowing program specifically by pledging a portion of this new revenue for transit infrastructure improvements. Investing in these repairs and upgrades is unavoidable, especially to produce a 21st century transit system.

Too often in the past, tough decisions were delayed or set aside that ultimately caused the system to deteriorate and infrastructure to become unsafe. This is one of the reasons why riders are traveling through slow zones or have left the system altogether. Fortunately, this can be fixed.

There is now a strong alignment of talent, available federal funds and an urgent cry for action. We must put it all together. By confronting these long-standing challenges head-on, maximizing federal funds and thinking creatively on new financial plans, this team together with the help of stakeholders, legislators and congressional delegation can leave a legacy of a stronger, more resilient and more equitable transit system and an MBTA that this region deserves.

Rick Dimino is president emeritus of A Better City.