Transportation for Massachusetts applauds the leadership of the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board for adopting a series of forward-looking resolutions to transform the commuter rail and bus networks.

The Board supported a transition to a fully electrified, accessible, high-frequency regional rail network, with a more equitable fare structure, with phased-in service prioritizing Electric Multiple Units on selected lines, enactment of state legislation to help implement the next generation of rail with Public-Private Partnerships, and establishing a dedicated MBTA office to guide regional rail transformation.

The Board also supported creation of an MBTA bus transformation office, recognizing the essential role that bus service provides to the MBTA region.

“We thank the FMCB for its energetic and visionary approach to modernizing our public transportation network. The Board was clearly listening to the Rail Vision Advisory Committee and to the many advocates and municipal leaders who are demanding better service,” said Josh Ostroff, T4MA Partnerships DIrector, who served on the Rail Vision Advisory Committee. “We also thank the Board for insisting that bus service is an equally high priority for the MBTA. That being said, we cannot have a credible long-term vision for transportation without bold action to fund it. Our economy, our climate, and our future demand that the Legislature take action on appropriately and adequately funding transportation this session.”