Politics & Government

Senator Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Control Board for MBTA

Senator Richard Ross is the co-sponsor of amendment to the MBTA bailout bill.

(Senator Ross Press Release)

Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) has co-sponsored a bipartisan amendment to today’s MBTA bailout bill establishing a Control Board to the MBTA. He joined the amendment’s other sponsors, Senator Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham), Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester), Senator James Welch (D-West Springfield) and Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R-Weymouth) at a press conference in support of the amendment this morning.

 “This legislation is an important step in reestablishing confidence in the MBTA and ensuring that the financial issues we have seen do not continue to arise,” said Senator Ross. “I am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan legislation that seeks to implement the transparency and accountability that we need in the Commonwealth.”

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Control Board would be responsible for creating and executing a plan to secure long term stability in the MBTA, while retaining quality, affordable transit service for residents of the Commonwealth. It will be given the same powers granted to the MBTA Board of Directors and Advisory Board, in addition to the authority to amend budgets, revise policy, create and eliminate positions, and adjust fees, services and rates. The proposed board would be similar to the successful model utilized in Springfield in 2004.

The five-member board will be comprised of the Secretary of Transportation, Chairman of the MBTA Board and three other members, to be appointed by the Secretary of Administration and Finance, who do not live in the MBTA service area. In addition, the amendment will provide a loan of $51 million to the MBTA for immediate funding needs, which must be repaid in full by June 30, 2020.

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Please contact the office of Senator Ross with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-1555 or Richard.Ross@masenate.gov.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Wrentham