FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2017

CONTACT

Andrew Farnitano, Crawford Strategies, 925-917-1354

Massachusetts Democrats Respond to Continued Failure at Charlie Baker’s MBTA

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Democratic Party today issued the following statement regarding news that “more commuter rail trains broke down on the MBTA last year than any other transit system in the country” and that “one of the MBTA subcontractors charged with trying to steal at least $7,000 in parts from the agency has a lengthy history of larceny accusations, including an open shoplifting case, raising questions about how well the T’s new vendor had vetted him.”

“On Charlie Baker’s watch, MBTA service has only gotten worse. Our privatized commuter rail service is now ranked the worst in the nation, but Governor Baker’s only plan for the T is more privatization, more high-priced consultants, and more excuses,” said Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford. “Whether it’s the failing commuter rail system or a private subcontractor stealing thousands of dollars in parts, Baker and his team are unwilling to step back and diagnose the problem.”

“Meanwhile, our bus mechanics are ranked the best in the nation, and the Baker administration is trying to privatize their jobs,” continued Bickford. “We need a Governor who will put riders first–a real administrator, not someone who is just trying to push a conservative privatization agenda.”

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