MBTA shakeup: Steve Poftak stepping down as general manager of embattled transit agency
Steve Poftak on Tuesday announced his decision to step down after four years as general manager of the embattled Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.
In a letter to his colleagues, Poftak wrote, “It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the news that Jan. 3, 2023, will be my last day at the MBTA. Serving as MBTA general manager has been the experience of a lifetime and it has been my honor and privilege to work with all of you.”
Poftak’s decision comes just weeks after a string of incidents, including a woman who was forced to jump from a train that caught fire over the Mystic River, led to a monthlong closure of the Orange Line. During the closure, crews worked to implement much-needed track and signal upgrades.
“While we have faced and will continue to face challenges, I believe in the strength and resilience of the MBTA,” Poftak said.
During his tenure, Poftak did oversee a plan that kept the agency running during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As I look back on my four years as general manager, I take great pride in what we have accomplished together,” Poftak added.
Over the course of the next few months, Poftak vowed to prepare the agency for the transition to a new administration.
Gov. Charlie Baker reacted to Poftak’s announcement, saying in a statement, “I thank Steve for his years of service to the MBTA both as a board member and as General Manager. Steve brought long term stability to the T when it was sorely needed and under his leadership the MBTA has upgraded more infrastructure and vehicles than during any prior period. The T workforce showed up every day during the pandemic when most could stay at home, and thanks to Steve’s leadership during that period, Steve and his team have continued to build a better T every day.”
It’s not clear when a decision on Poftak’s replacement will be made.
Steve Poftak stepping down as general manager of embattled transit agency by Fox Boston Staff on Scribd
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