Media Statement: Green Line Derailment

BOSTON, October 17, 2024— TransitMatters is deeply disappointed to learn that the recent Green Line derailment resulted from excessive speed and operational negligence. This incident underscores the need for the MBTA to reinforce strict adherence to safety protocols across all levels of its operations.

We strongly urge the MBTA to commit to a thorough review of its training and operational oversight to ensure that all operators follow established safety rules. The safety of riders and employees alike must remain a top priority, and these incidents must be prevented at all costs.

While operator negligence appears to have been a key factor in this derailment, we hope that the MBTA is also examining the low-speed design of the switch where this event occurred. A design review could lead to adjustments that accommodate higher operating speeds, improving efficiency on the line and reducing the risk of future incidents.

Additionally, this derailment highlights the urgent need for the long-overdue overhaul of the Green Line’s signal system. An upgraded system would likely have mitigated the overspeed that led to this derailment and could prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Signal modernization must remain a top priority for the T, which requires sustained financial and operational commitment.

Lastly, we caution the MBTA against implementing performative or reactionary "safety measures" that would unnecessarily disrupt service on the Green Line without addressing core issues. Genuine improvements come from long-term, sustainable solutions, not quick fixes.

The MBTA’s funding model is fundamentally flawed. Without a shift toward long-term, stable financing, the T will continue to face challenges in completing the safety upgrades that are so clearly needed. We call on our leaders to provide the resources necessary to keep our transit system safe, reliable, and efficient for all riders.

For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org.

Photo Credit: James Wang

Media Statement: MBTA Press Conference About GLX

BOSTON, October 19, 2023 —  TransitMatters commends the MBTA and the Healey-Driscoll administration for being candid with the public about the early results of the investigation into the narrow gauge issue on the Green Line Extension. This regrettable situation that unfolded during the previous administration has hurt public trust in the agency and undermined support for the transformative projects the region desperately needs. Today's press conference with General Manager Eng, where he explained the issue in detail, affirmed that the system is safe, and addressed accountability for personnel involved, was the first step in repairing that damage.

We hope the MBTA and Healey-Driscoll Administration continue to chart a different path regarding accountability and transparency. We are eager to get more information about the timeline for remediation and possible impacts on riders, as well as further results of the investigation.

For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org. 

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Photo Credit: Brooke Winter

Podcast Episode 30.5 - Ride-Along with Jim Aloisi to WGBH's The Scrum

Buses berth at Sullivan Square in Somerville, MA  [Photo via Flickr]

For this mini-episode of the podcast, we were joined by former Massachusetts Transport Secretary and TransitMatters Board Member Jim Aloisi. We both took a trip on transit from Haymarket Station to Brass Union in Somerville's Union Square.

This episode was recorded on 12 July in the lively environs of an Orange Line train, a CT2 bus, and under the I-93 overpass at Sullivan Square.

During the episode we talked about:

• Hillary Clinton's MetroCard Miscue
• The BTD Sullivan Square/Rutherford Ave study - check out the presentation [PDF] from the last meeting that we couldn't personally make. Were you there? Let us know in the comments!
• The various overlapping studies happening in and around Sullivan Square
  • Lower Mystic Regional Working Group
  • Everett Transit Action Plan
  • The Wynn Casino in Everett [PDF]
• We lamented the delay of Green Line Extension
• We discussed concern over proactive development to counteract gentrification in Union Square and Sullivan Square
  • City of New York is trying to be proactive - set-aside housing ordinance ensures mixed income, transparency about public benefits included in development
  • Gentrification is inevitable, at least in part
• MBTA needs to make good on its goal for a system-wide assessment of routes - are they doing what people need today?
• My work on service advisories with the T, underscoring a fundamental need for attention to details of the rider experience...more on that from us soon!
• Complete streets and transit priority that Jim and Boston City Council President Wu experienced (separately) in the Netherlands
  • NACTO has adopted in its Urban Street Design Guide and Transit Street Design Guide
• Unified fare payment system in Netherlands - OV-chipkaart - MBTA/MassDOT are modelling AFC 2.0 on modern fare payment systems like this
• McGrath highway grounding is also a project that we crossed during our brief trip
  • Similar to Casey Arborway boulevardisation
  • Syracuse is also…torn between rebuilding or tearing down a highway

And finally WGBH's The Scrum episode we spent 40 minutes trekking to! You can watch our live recording of The Scrum on Periscope.

Like what you hear? Share it around, tell your friends and colleagues, and subscribe to the blog and podcast - through iTunes or Google Play. Support our work by becoming a member, donating, or volunteering.

Find out more about Jim Aloisi, me, and our other board members.

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