In a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, both Massachusetts Democrats, asked for an update into what efforts are being made to address ongoing safety concerns and service interruptions on the Boston T.
The letter to DPU Chair James Van Nostrand and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng comes after the senators raised similar concerns during a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy in October 2022, and in a letter to then-DPU Chair Matthew Nelson in January 2023. The Congress members said that even though some strides have been made in regard to slow zones, travel times, transparency, and access, reports about safety concerns and reliability issues persist.
“The communities that rely on the T deserve reliable, safe, accessible, and climate-forward transit,” the Congressmember wrote. “We look forward to working with you to not only fix the T but turn it into a safe and vibrant transit system worthy of our Commonwealth and its people.”
In their letter, the senators mentioned a series of recent incidents ranging from fires to train derailments to accidents resulting in passenger deaths. Additionally, they said, the percentage of subway track with speed restrictions is increasing, while two lines the Red and Green lines, face shutdown this fall.
“With the shared goal of fixing Greater Boston’s public transit system, it is crucial that we work together to remain vigilant regarding the continued safety and reliability challenges faced by the MBTA and its riders,” the lawmakers wrote. “We know that systemic failures cannot be quickly rectified, and you will need time and resources to get the T back on track. We are committed to supporting you in those efforts. Therefore, we write to request an update on your administration’s work to respond to these incidents and prevent them in the future.”
The senators requested an update on short- and long-term plans to address issues by Sept. 26.