The document discusses the history and evolution of Boston's public transit system, the MBTA. It describes how the MBTA has advanced from horses to electricity to moving toward renewable energy. It also discusses how growing populations and car usage led to increased demand for public transit and expansion of services. Leadership of the transit system changed over time from private companies to government authorities. The MBTA has a history of debt issues caused by factors like expansion projects and rising energy costs. The document proposes a vision for an effectively run MBTA with characteristics like up-to-date technology, strong leadership, financial stability, and long-term viability.
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1. Advancements in Technology: The technology of Boston’s public transit system has continued to advanced over time. The first trolley was pulled by
horses then was run by electricity. Presently, the MBTA is moving toward renewable energy.
Evolving Environment: The prevalence of cars and the development of roads in the 1950s and 60s contributed to congestion in the city. Growing
populations spurred an increased demand for public transit and expansion of these services. The MBTA needed to reduce congestion and
accommodate all commuters.
Changing Leadership: The MTA absorbed what was left of the “BERY” in 1947. Thereafter, in 1964, the MTA became the MBTA, and assumed the
responsibility of expanding the transit system.
Expansion: Throughout history, the MTA, and later the MBTA, expanded to reach new patrons. The MTA took control over the “BERY” where the MTA
would expand transportation service into surrounding suburbs of Boston. The Big Dig also contributed to expansion of the MBTA.
Policy: The Public Control Act in 1919 gave the state control over the transit system and mandated a five cent fare. Additionally, The Conservation Law
Foundation specified various public transit improvements projects that had to be completed for the Big Dig to move forward and sued the MBTA for
violating the Clean Air Act. An agreement was reached and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts created a pact to expand public transit in order to
compensate for increased automobile pollution. As a result the MBTA expanded and put it the MBTA in debt.
Continued Debt: The MBTA has a long history of issues with financing. Back in 1980, the T shut down due to lack of funds. The Big Dig also put the
MBTA in immense debt along with the rising energy costs.
What does an effectively run MBTA look like?
Mission
Envision a world where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs efficiently, is always on time, matches capacity with
demand, operates sustainably, and is holistically stable.
Historical Patterns as a Reflection of Today
Old Technology
Poor Adaptability
Unclear Leadership
Vision
Focus on Expansion
Restrictive Policy
Debt
Current Issues Facing
the MBTA
Financial StabilityStructural Stability
1 Up-to-date technology
2
Adaptable to changing market
conditions
3
4
Consumer friendly environment
Long-term Viability
1
2
3
4
Near match of expenses and revenues
Strong leadership and vision
Minimized liabilities/debt
Consistent public accountability
Characteristics of a strong and
healthy organization
2. Leadership StructureInfrastructure Upgrades (Specific):
FY 23 FY 24 FY 25FY 22FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21
Legislation & Leadership Reform
• Distribute debt amongst Municipalities
• Reverse Forward Funding
• Allow for government escalation
Launch Infrastructure Upgrades
• Match car capacity with transit demand
• Implement sustainable tech to improve energy consumption
• Create a smooth consumer experience that boards and empties efficiently
• Prioritize upgrades based on price and need
Annual Fiscal Audits (done externally)
Plan Focus:
• Create financial stability
• Improve Internal Operations core
management
• Upgrade infrastructure incrementally
• Create long-term viability for MBTA
Money
Upgrades
Expenses
Revenues
Financial Stability
Denotes upgrade
• Create Internal Operations subcommittee
• Facilitate vertical visibility & communication
• Deter from impulsive financial decisions
1
2
3
4
5
Ten-Year Plan – Example Timeline
Operations Subcommittee (heads of each sector)
Research and
Design
Human
Resources
Contingency
Planning
Mechanics
Bi-weekly Report MassDOT
Car Capacity Upgrade to match the public transportation
demand
Integrated Sustainable Technology such as
Regenerative Braking
Updated Payment System similar to the OysterCard in
the London Underground
Updated Traffic Signals to accommodate for increased
traffic
Eliminate Stops due to ridership stats or proximity to
others