Senate Approves Fiscal Oversight Board for MBTA

A measure was adopted Thursday night creating a five-member board with broad powers to manage all aspects of the agency for the next three to five years

The Massachusetts Senate has backed Gov. Charlie Baker's plans to overhaul public transit by unanimously approving the creation of a financial control board for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

A measure was adopted Thursday night creating a five-member board with broad powers to manage all aspects of the agency for the next three to five years. Three members will be members of the state Department of Transportation board, including Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack or her designee.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, says bipartisan support for MBTA reform shows that lawmakers are ready to "bring accountability to a dysfunctional system."

Boston's record-setting snowfall of more than 9 feet last winter caused widespread delays and shutdowns of MBTA service, frustrating both politicians and the public.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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