BOSTON (WHDH) - A day after newly released footage captured the moment a Green Line train collided at a slow rate of speed with another train, Senator Elizabeth Warren did not mince words as she shared her frustrations related to the MBTA’s safety-related issues with 7NEWS.
“There’s a lot that needs to be done and we needed to start yesterday,” she said.
While no one was hurt in the incident, the event was just one of a slew of incidents, including the dragging death of a man in March, that eventually prompted an investigation by the Federal Transit Administration.
According to Warren, it is crucial for the MBTA to update their safety protocols, not just for the sake of the passengers’ safety but the for the sake of Boston’s economy as well.
“A well-functioning, clean, safe, reliable, accessible transit system is not just about transit, it’s about getting to jobs, it’s about housing, where you can live and still get to a job,” said Warren.
While the MBTA awaits the Federal Transit Administration’s full report in August, the organization will be operating under a diminished train schedule while hiring and regrouping to meet FTA benchmarks.
Warren also touted the benefits of transitioning to an electricity-based power system. Although it would require a hefty upfront cost, the long-term benefits would be worth it, according to the senator.
“We need, for example, to make the switch on the power. It’s ridiculous at this point to be investing in diesel, to keep repairing these old engines that break down,” said Warren. “It’s time to go electric. It’s better for the climate and also better long-term in terms of what it costs.”
Warren also levied some of the blame at the feet of Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration.
“My view is the governor owns this, and at the end of the day, they work for the governor. And the governor needs to be responsible for having the leadership to get it done,” Warren said. “The governor needs to be responsible for making sure that the investments are being made so that they have the resources so they’re moving in the right direction.”
When reached for comment, a staffer from Baker’s office stated that since Baker took office, the MBTA has invested almost $8 billion into new tracks, cars and signals.
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