The MBTA Board of Directors recently approved $850 million in Commonwealth Transportation Fund (BTF)-funded bond capacity to invest in safety and reliability improvements.
The funding from the Interdepartmental Service Agreement with MassDOT, will improve safety and reliability across the MBTA system, and will cover major projects, as well as add new funding into the Rail Reliability Program, officials said. The RRP supports significant, long-term investments, like repairs and upgrades to the MBTA’s capital projects and core infrastructure.
“The MBTA has been making significant progress to improve safety and reliability across the system, and this funding will help them continue this essential work,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said. “Together with the Legislature, we are making sure that the T has a balanced budget and the resources it needs to deliver the world-class service that the people of Massachusetts deserve.”
Officials said the investment is the second time MBTA has used revenue from the state’s “Fair Share” tax to pay for critical projects. Fair Share revenue provides the state with more borrowing capacity which allows for greater financial flexibility to support capital projects across the state.
The money will be used to increase safety including upgrading critical systems that are over 100 years old, like the Green Line signal system, and replacing old vehicles. The funding will also be used to modernize systems by upgrading elements like replacing the MBTA’s oldest locomotives and beginning construction of new, permanent maintenance facilities, like the Arborway Bus Facility and the Widett Layover Facility, among other things.
“This vote by the MBTA Board and recent vote by the MassDOT Board marks another critical step forward in delivering safe, reliable, and improved public transportation for the riders, communities, and businesses that we serve,” Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said. “This $850 million agreement, made possible by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Fair Share revenue, will provide the critical support and infrastructure needed towards delivering vital projects to better serve the public. We are committed to ensuring we deliver meaningful projects on time and on budget, ensuring safety, improving accessibility and reliability, and delivering a mass transit system for generations to come.”