Friday, May 22, 2015
Senate Endorsed Tarr Plan to Put MBTA Under Control and Accountability Board
Boston-
May 21, 2015 The Massachusetts Senate today overwhelmingly
adopted a bi-partisan plan championed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr
(R-Gloucester) to move the transit system under a new fiscal control and
accountability board after a growing chorus of calls for the adoption of major
reforms to the ailing MBTA were amplified across the state and on Beacon Hill.
Tarr was joined by Transportation Committee Chairman
Thomas McGee (D- Lynn), Transportation Committee Chairman, and other members of
the Senate.
“One of the most important things that the Senate
can do in this budget is provide a major reform package that comports with the
framework of the plan offered by Governor Baker and restores confidence from an
exasperated public,” said Tarr. “The
bi-partisan support for MBTA reform affirms that we are ready and willing to
bring accountability to a dysfunctional system and give riders, taxpayers and
the public the mass transit system they need and deserve.”
Tarr initially filed finance control legislation in
February while winter storms still pounded away at the beleaguered transit system
which serves 175 Massachusetts communities.
The new MBTA Control and Accountability Board will
be comprised of five members appointed by Governor Baker; three of whom will be
members of the Mass Department of Transportation Board of Directors, including
the Secretary of Transportation; one member will have expertise in
transportation finance; and one member with experience in mass transit
operations. Initially established for a
three year period, the bill contains an option to extend the board for two
additional years. The control board is responsible
for creating operational stability, budgetary, and performance standards
including;
- · Requiring rigorous performance management standards,
- · Providing a safe, reliable and sustainable rail, bus and commuter rail system,
- · Short and long-term planning of budgets, of one and five years, which align with operational and capital project needs of five and 20 years,
- · Prioritizing service enhancements for its existing customers and attracting future riders,
- · Developing a sound management plan for the safety of T workers and others,
- · Reducing absenteeism, improving employee morale, and achieving procurement and service contract improvements,
- · Responsibly promoting mass transportation for regional transit needs.
In response the crippled public transit system, Governor
Baker commissioned a special panel of national leaders in transportation,
economic development and municipal planning after a harsh winter exposed
dramatic failures throughout rail and bus systems. Following an in-depth diagnostic review of
the MBTA’s core functions, Baker’s panel recommended the creation of a fiscal
control board after reviewing numerous MBTA studies and performance reviews.
The
board will be required, by January 1, 2018, to make a determination if it has
achieved its goal of operational stability.
If performance standards are met, they will be required to make
recommendations on the governance structure of the MBTA. Should the board
determine that the goals have not yet been achieved; their continued existence
can be extended until permanently dissolved on or before June 30, 2020
Senate
Republicans also sought other changes to the agency including; lifting the
requirements of the so-called Pacheco Law during the term of the control board,
subjecting the MBTA Retirement Fund to the public records law, and subjecting
the agency to an audit.
The Republican Caucus, having called for action in
the $38 billion budget proposal, worked successfully to build consensus to
promote the goals of MBTA reform.
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