Massachusetts General Law Chapter provides for the MBTA to submit its annual budget to the Advisory Board for its independent review. Today Operating Budget Oversight Committee chair Debra Roberts, Stoughton Select Board Vice Chair, presented the report to the MBTA’s Board of Directors on behalf of the 178 cities and towns comprising the MBTA Advisory Board.
The MBTA’s cities and towns endorse this budget and recommended its adoption for the MBTA for fiscal year 2026. This budget is prepared, and will continue to support the General Manager’s strategic vision to attract back ridership through infrastructure, safety, reliability, and customer service improvements.
The final amount of revenue the Authority receives will depend on the final version of the state’s FY26 budget which is currently in conference committee between the House and Senate. But, no matter which version is approved, the MBTA will be made whole for at least FY26, and depending on the final amounts, possibly for FY27 and FY28 as well.
The MBTA’s 178 cities and towns publicly thank the Governor, the House, and the Senate for their support of our public transportation system.
The MBTA Advisory Board recommends that the Board of Directors consider the following recommendations and suggestions throughout FY26.
- Manage Workforce Growth: Focus on controlling non-operational headcount expansion.
- Reduce Consultant Costs: Shift away from external services as internal capacity grows.
- Communicate Deficit Risks: Clearly articulate how the MBTA plans to address future structural deficits, if any.
- Educate Stakeholders: Highlight national transit challenges to foster public and legislative support.
- Reform Funding Model: Initiate a dialogue on replacing the outdated “Forward Funding” model with a sustainable long-term approach.