Study: Mass. Transit Passenger Safety Put In Peril

GLEN JOHNSON

BOSTON (AP) — A sweeping review of MBTA finances found the largest transportation provider in Massachusetts has relied on an overly optimistic and unsustainable financing model that now is compromising safety because it cannot fund critical maintenance and equipment replacements.

The scathing 36-page review classified 51 projects as "a danger to life or limb of passengers and/or employees" and suggested prioritizing those subway, bus and commuter rail repairs.

One, an $80 million project to replace floating concrete slabs designed to absorb track vibration on the Red Line between the Alewife and Harvard stations, has been unfunded for three years. Leaving it uncompleted raises potential for a derailment, as well as the prospect of speed restrictions on a heavily used subway line.

"It may require an extended period to address them properly, but what could be more important?" asked the report, the details of which were first reported by The Boston Globe.

The report was written by former John Hancock chief David D'Alessandro and ordered by Gov. Deval Patrick this summer as his administration ousted T General Manager Daniel Grabauskas and clashed with key legislators over his decision to spend more than $300,000 buying out his contract.