MBTA’s February emails show problems went beyond snow
Being buried in snow was apparently not the MBTA’s only issue during this historic winter.
Today, The Boston Globe published February emails between former MBTA general managers, including former general manager Beverly Scott, and commuter rail management company Keolis. The emails revealed that fuel delivery problems and absent leadership were at the top of Scott’s list of complaints. She made her concerns known in emails to the French company’s officials, according to The Globe:
“Recognizing the extraordinary challenge, I needed LEADERSHIP and a PARTNER to stand up to help make a way out of no way,’’ she wrote. “On that score, your top leadership has been virtually ‘MIA.’’’
While you may not want to revisit the memories of those miserable commutes, here’s a timeline of what the report says MBTA officials were outraged about and when:
February 6: Fuel delivery problems
According to The Globe, Scott said that commuter rail trains were out of service due to fuel deliveries, and also added: “My recommendation is that you make a move — now.’’
A spokeswoman for Keolis told The Globe the company did not know of any fuel delivery problems this winter.
Saturday, Feb 7: Snow panic
With two feet of snow on its way, T official Sean McCarthy estimated that trains would fail, and evacuations would be necessary. He suggested partially suspending rail service on Monday, February 9.
The Globe reported:
In an e-mail, Scott agreed. “Not pretty but unfortunately an accurate assessment,’’ she wrote in a reply to the group. “Last thing we need to do is knowingly strand public.’’
Monday, February 9:That scenario comes true.
When the T ran limited service on the following Monday, a Red Line train became stuck for hours in Quincy, and passengers were evacuated.
The T and commuter rail announced a complete shut down at 7 p.m., but Keolis began cancelling afternoon rail times as well.
Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack was unhappy, The Globe reported.
“How are people supposed to get home?’’ she wrote in an e-mail to the group. “Can we make sure there are at least one or two trains running on each line AND communicate to folks that these may be the only trains and they better get on them?’’
Tuesday, February 10: Press conferences quell finger-pointing.
The same day all MBTA service was halted, Gov. Charlie Baker defended Beverly Scott at a noon press conference about calling upon the National Guard to help with snow removal. “Don’t overplay this one,’’ Baker said. “Beverly Scott is doing everything she can.’’
Hours later, Scott defended MBTA workers and blamed Mother Nature for delays. “This was a perfect storm,’’ she said.
Wednesday, February 11: A resignation
Scott announced her plans to resign, and she pledged to stay “fully engaged’’ until her final day with the MBTA on April 11.
Monday, February 16: Absent workers
According to The Globe, Scott emailed Gov. Baker’s chief of staff about “manpower issues due to employees not reporting.’’
Wednesday, February 25: MBTA shake-up
Keolis replaced its Boston general manager, Thomas M. Mulligan, with his deputy manager, Gerald Francis.
Thursday, May 14: Retirement
Sean McCarthy announced his retirement from his role as the transit system’s deputy general manager.
Read the full story here.
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