Ep 7: Monica Tibbits-Nutt - Managing a Transit Agency Through a Crisis

High Frequency

How do transit agencies weather a crisis? In February 2015, the public transit system in Boston completely shut down due to heavy snowstorms. As a result, the general manager resigned and oversight of the MBTA was delegated to the newly formed Fiscal and Management Control Board. Under the board’s leadership the past five years, the agency has advanced projects that riders advocated for.

In this episode, FMCB Vice Chair Monica Tibbits-Nutt reflects on the 2015 crisis and the parallels to 2020. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for the MBTA and every other transit agency. Monica shares how agencies will begin to re-think operations to prioritize operator and rider safety in the future.

“It became very clear that the built space creates a lot of the inequalities that exist within our society, at least within the United States. So then it's how do you bridge that gap? And it was very clear that transportation was the way you did that.”

Monica was the recipient of the “Good Governance Award” at TransitCenter’s First Annual Frequency Awards. To view Monica’s acceptance, click here.

Disclaimer: Political views raised by guests on the podcast do not reflect the views of TransitCenter.

Music: “Comma” - Blue Dot Sessions

Hosted and edited by Kapish Singla

Produced by TransitCenter