Panel approves MBTA bill, Baker says more tools needed

[unhappycamper]

http://www.wcvb.com/news/panel-approves-mbta-bill-baker-says-more-tools-needed/33735650



Baker called for major changes at MBTA after record-setting winter

Panel approves MBTA bill, Baker says more tools needed
7:11 PM EDT Jun 23, 2015

BOSTON —A bill that would establish a financial control board to oversee the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority was given the green light Tuesday by a key legislative panel, but Gov. Charlie Baker signaled that the measure fell short of what he considered necessary to fix the troubled transit system.

The Transportation Committee, made up of House and Senate members, voted to advance a redrafted version of the bill that originally was filed by the Republican governor after record-setting snowfall led to crippling breakdowns this past winter and exposed what critics say were serious weaknesses in MBTA management.

The bill next goes to the full House, with Democratic leaders hoping for final action before lawmakers go on summer recess at the end of July.

The measure would establish a five-member control board to manage the MBTA for at least the next three years but does not provide the board with some of the broader powers sought by Baker, including the authority to override binding arbitration with transit unions and raise passenger fares above limits set by current law.

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