MBTA Chief Tells Students Transit Equity Starts Here
MBTA chief Phillip Eng discusses transit equity and career paths with urban planning students at Boston University
MBTA Chief Tells Students Transit Equity Starts Here
Boston's transit chief told urban planning students they'll shape the future of equitable transportation during a discussion at Boston University on Thursday, March 5. Phillip Eng, MBTA general manager and interim Massachusetts secretary of transportation, addressed topics including sustainability, community engagement, and outreach to historically underserved communities. The event, organized by the City Planning & Urban Affairs programs, the BU Initiative on Cities, and the student-run Urban Planning Association, drew students interested in transit careers.
Context & Background
The discussion focused on public transit's role in enriching cities, with Boston serving as the primary example of how transportation shapes urban lives for residents, workers, and visitors. Eng, a career civil engineer with national recognition for eliminating slow zones across the MBTA subway system, previously led the MTA's Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit. The event was moderated by Briette Brightman, an MS in City Planning student and recent MBTA intern, alongside CPUA Lecturer Terry Regan. Brightman credited her MBTA internship with changing her career path, stating that public transportation is the backbone of an equitable and functioning city.
Key Details
Eng emphasized that success in transit work depends on building strong relationships and partnerships across different stakeholder groups, according to event organizers. He encouraged students that advancing in their careers would enable them to make decisions and set policies that change lives and communities. The MBTA chief also shared his perspective that public complaints should be viewed as gifts, regardless of how they're expressed, because they provide valuable insight into rider needs and system performance. He told students that viewing criticism as opportunity rather than obstacle helps transit agencies improve service quality.
Timeline & Implementation
The March 5 event at the Kilachand Center represented part of ongoing efforts by Boston University's Metropolitan College to connect students with transit industry leaders. Officials didn't announce whether similar discussions with other transportation executives are planned for future semesters. The university's City Planning & Urban Affairs programs regularly host industry professionals to provide students with real-world perspectives on urban transportation challenges.
Rider Impact & Moovit
The discussion highlighted how the next generation of transit planners will shape service equity and community engagement across Boston's transportation network. Students interested in transit careers can expect to work on issues ranging from sustainability to outreach in historically underserved communities, officials said. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for MBTA routes throughout the Boston area, helping riders navigate the system while future planners prepare to improve it.
