Baker Proposes Overhaul Of Mass. Transit System
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is proposing major changes to Boston's public transit system after pounding snowstorms this winter slowed the nation's oldest subway system to a crawl, frustrating hundreds of thousands of riders.
Baker filed a bill Wednesday that would create a new Fiscal Management and Control Board to oversee operations and finances of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority through 2018.
"The board will remain in place until June 30, 2018," he said, "But can be extended longer based on an agreement with the secretary transportation.
The board would consist of five members — three appointed by Baker, a Republican, and one each referred by the senate president and speaker of the house, who are both Democrats.
"Some of their responsibilities will include the authority to establish separate operating and capital budgets," he said, "Each with clearly designated revenue sources and uses."
The chairman and members of the board of directors of the Massachusetts transportation department, which currently oversees the MBTA, have agreed to step down.
The bill would also introduce reporting and audit requirements and lift MBTA procurement restrictions.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports:
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