Federal oversight of MBTA safety management has ended

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has officially ended its safety management oversight of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The federal intervention, which began in 2022 following several safety incidents including derailments and a passenger fatality, has been transferred back to the state’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

Governor Maura Healey announced the conclusion of the FTA’s special directives. DPU Commissioner Staci Rubin stated that the agency has strengthened its oversight by adding 13 full-time staff, implementing technical training plans, and updating processes for safety investigations, rules compliance, and fatigue management.

This transition occurs alongside ongoing leadership developments at the MBTA. Governor Healey recently defended General Manager Phil Eng following a $500,000 settlement related to a dismissed complaint involving inappropriate behavior.