Scott resigns GM post at MBTA

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Beverly Scott submitted her resignation yesterday, following recent criticism from Gov. Charlie Baker and others over the agency's service breakdowns during recent winter storms.

In her resignation letter, Scott said she would work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) board to ensure a smooth transition over the next 60 days. Her final day in office will be April 11, she wrote.

"During this period, I will place priority attention on working with our team to: return T services to normalcy following these unprecedented weather conditions; develop the first cut of an emergency enhancement and resiliency plan, including a peer "best" practices assessment to be conducted in coordination with the American Public Transportation Association; and finalize the FY2016 budget proposal," stated Scott's letter to MassDOT Chairman John Jenkins.

She assured the board and Baker administration that she would remain "fully engaged" during the transition period. Scott announced no specific plans for her future, other than she looks forward to starting "my next chapter."

Scott was scheduled to meet with the governor today. Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito were surprised to learn of her resignation, according to a statement from Tim Buckley, spokesman for the Baker-Polito administration.

"They thank her for her contribution to the commonwealth and are grateful for her offer of assistance as the MTBA transitions to a new general manager,"  Buckley said. "The governor looks forward to meeting with MTBA officials [today], working with them to assess the issues that have plagued the agency in recent weeks and developing operational and maintenance plans moving forward."

Scott was appointed MBTA's GM in December 2012. Prior to joining the agency, she served as chief executive officer and GM of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. She also has served in executive and senior leadership positions at other transit agencies throughout the country.

The MBTA includes The T, the nation's oldest subway system.