David M. Lepore

This annual report details the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Strategic Plan, which aims to transform the MBTA into a more reliable, frequent, and modern transit system to serve the public with safe, reliable, and accessible transportation, thereby enabling a thriving region. The report highlights accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2025 across key strategic goals: enhancing safety, modernizing infrastructure, ensuring transparent communication, investing in workforce development, supporting service and economic vitality, increasing sustainability and resilience, promoting mode shift, and openly communicating costs.

The forum focused on accessibility within the transit system. Key topics included safety procedures for the venue, logistical instructions for virtual participants regarding interpretation services, and the introduction of leadership teams. The session highlighted the commitment to systemwide accessibility, the role of the Writers Transportation Access Group in monitoring compliance, and updates on elevator uptime performance and snow and ice removal strategies. Future plans for station upgrades and subway stop announcements were also presented.

The MBTA's Language Assistance Plan aims to ensure meaningful access to its programs and services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). It is structured around a four-factor analysis encompassing LEP population size, frequency of contact, importance of services, and available resources. The plan details measures including customer support, translation and interpretation of vital materials (categorized by safety, customer access, and general involvement), staff training, and public notification methods, to effectively communicate with diverse communities and comply with Title VI obligations.

The MBTA Decarbonization Strategy outlines the organization's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Massachusetts' statewide climate goals, prioritizing reliable service as the highest decarbonization priority. It focuses on several key areas, including enhancing vehicle efficiency, transitioning to electrification and alternative fuels for its rolling stock (buses and rail), modernizing facilities, and optimizing power sources. The strategy details specific approaches for bus modernization, aiming for a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040, and rail modernization, which involves fleet reliability improvements and electrification. The plan also addresses decarbonization for other emissions sources like The RIDE, ferries, non-revenue vehicles, and facilities, acknowledging the dynamic nature of technology and the need for significant infrastructure investment.

The meeting featured a Safety Program Update covering performance indicators across various transit lines, including bus and ferry service, and a discussion on a recent Green Line train derailment. Additionally, the committee received an update on the Quality, Compliance, and Oversight (QCO) Safety Management Inspection (SMI), specifically regarding corrective action plans for power removal and restoration, with a focus on compliance improvement and process sustainability. A planned discussion on decarbonization was postponed to a future meeting.