Media Statement - Red Line Derailment at Broadway
BOSTON, September 28, 2021—
A high functioning public transit system is essential for Metro Boston's economy, providing access to jobs & key destinations, reducing traffic congestion & providing mobility equity. It is also essential if Massachusetts is going to attain its carbon emissions goals. A series of recent events disrupting MBTA service underscores the urgent need for the Governor and Legislature to provide the T with the necessary resources to step up critical repair and maintenance activities. This should include an ambitious agenda to inventory and repair or replace aging infrastructure across the system.
While we do not yet know the cause of this morning's derailment, older Red Line cars have a history of platform strikes, namely at Charles/MGH. The MBTA also must take every necessary and appropriate action to accelerate delivery of new Red and Orange Line cars. Finally we call on the Governor to appoint an MBTA governing board with members who can match or exceed the expertise of the former FMCB. The nearly three month delay in making these appointments is unacceptable.
TransitMatters has confidence that a properly funded MBTA, with the right internal resources, can deliver quality service in Metro Boston. Transit matters a lot to the overall quality of life and economy of our region. We all need to treat it as the essential public good that it is.
For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org.
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Photo credit: Elisabeth Boyce-Jacino