The MBTA Advisory Board, an independent oversight body comprised of mayors and select board chairs supports Governor Baker’s proposal to include municipal representation on the next MBTA governing body.
The 176 communities in the MBTA service district, represented by the Advisory Board, will pay nearly $180 million to the T in FY22, all without any say in how these funds are utilized. Currently the MBTA is the only large US transit agency without any municipal representation on its governing body. A board member representing cities and towns could ensure that municipal interests are considered by the MBTA.
Governor Baker’s proposal gives cities and towns a voice in how public transportation is administered, and it should become law.