Yesterday, NAIOP testified at the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board meeting to urge the Board to support the proposed privatization of MBTA services allowed under Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2015. As one of the organizers of the Coalition for a World-Class Public Transit System, NAIOP supported the passage of this important legislation in response to the MBTA’s complete shutdown last winter.

Many of the T’s operational impediments have originated from the inability to efficiently manage many of the non-core services. By looking at the privatized options for some of these services, the MBTA can focus on those operations of greatest value throughout the organization.  Utilizing all the tools that are available to the Board at this time is critical to balancing the operating budget and achieving necessary efficiencies.

At the hearing, NAIOP urged the Board to stay on course. There has been, and will continue to be, considerable pushback. However, getting the T back on sound financial footing and increasing the system’s reliability, should be the top priorities.

NAIOP thanks the members of the Board for all the good work they have done and their tireless commitment, focus, expertise and long-term vision to fix the T once and for all.