Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Beverly Scott announced late Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, she was stepping down from her position, following mounting criticism of MBTA's operational struggles due to repeated snowstorms.
The move came even as MBTA struggled to reestablish service Thursday, Feb. 12, on various regional rail and light rail transit routes. MBTA service had been shut down for more than 36 hours, beginning last Monday, Feb. 9, as workers attempted to clear rights-of-way from significant snowfall.
Scott steps down with 10 months left in her three-year contract, giving Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a severe critic of Scott, an opportunity to select a successor.
Scott defended MBTA' s position Tuesday, the 10th, noting its infrastructure and facilities were more than a century old, and suffered from overcrowding and lack of funding.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board Chairman John Jenkins, while praising Scott's "skillful and committed leadership," said MassDOT would begin a nationwide search for a replacement.