The United States Department of Transportation has issued a formal demand to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), requesting detailed information about the agency's safety and security protocols. The federal government has given the transit authority a two-week deadline to comply, threatening to withhold federal funding if the requirements are not met.
The letter, sent by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to MBTA Chief Phil Eng, signals a significant escalation in federal oversight of Boston's public transit system. The inquiry focuses specifically on crime, fare evasion, and the presence of homeless individuals on the system.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Transportation has demanded safety plans from the MBTA.
- The federal government has threatened to withhold funding if the MBTA fails to respond within two weeks.
- The focus of the inquiry is on reducing crime, vagrancy, and fare evasion, a shift from previous infrastructure-focused oversight.
- A Massachusetts state senator has criticized the move as a "political game" lacking factual basis.
- Similar demands have been made to transit authorities in Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.
Federal Ultimatum Issued to Boston's Transit Agency
In a letter dated Thursday, September 19, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined the federal government's concerns regarding public safety on the MBTA. The document requests specific details on how the MBTA intends to address what the letter describes as issues of "crime, vagrancy and fare evasion on the transit system."
The administration also reiterated its interest in security at major hubs, asking for information on measures to ensure passenger safety at South Station and other key facilities. This demand underscores what the agency calls its "continued focus on ensuring safe travel in Boston."
While the letter did not cite comprehensive crime statistics, it did reference two recent incidents: one involving a woman being pushed from a bus and another where a man assaulted a passenger with a belt. The department stated that failure to provide the requested information could jeopardize federal financial support for the agency.
A Shift in Federal Priorities
Historically, federal oversight of the MBTA from past administrations has concentrated on operational safety, rail maintenance, and necessary infrastructure upgrades. The MBTA has been working to address long-standing issues of underinvestment in these areas. The current administration's focus on street-level crime and social issues represents a notable change in approach.
MBTA Leadership and State Officials Respond
MBTA Chief Phil Eng confirmed he had recently spoken with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Marc Molinaro. In a statement, Eng sought to reassure the public about the agency's commitment to safety.
"I want to assure the public that safety is at the heart of everything we do at the T," Eng said, highlighting a "shared commitment in ensuring the security of every passenger."
Eng added that the MBTA and its Transit Police Department are continuing to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to provide the "safest commute possible for all riders and employees."
State Senator Criticizes Federal Action
The federal government's move was met with strong criticism from State Senator Brendan Crighton, who serves as the chair of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation. Crighton described the letter from Secretary Duffy as both "misguided" and a form of political maneuvering.
"At a time when we're making the investments to improve our system, when we've made a ton of progress, to threaten to take away funding just doesn't make any sense at all," Crighton stated.
He argued that the letter made a "blind accusation" because it lacked supporting statistics or factual evidence to justify its claims. Crighton affirmed that the state takes crime seriously but viewed the federal action as a "political game."
National Trend of Increased Scrutiny
The action against the MBTA is not an isolated event. A press release from the Department of Transportation confirmed that a similar letter was sent to the Chicago Transit Authority. This follows a pattern of increased federal pressure on major urban transit systems.
Other Cities Under Federal Review
According to the Department of Transportation, Secretary Duffy's office has sent similar letters this year to transit authorities in several other major U.S. cities, including:
- Washington, D.C.
- New York City
- Los Angeles
The department's release explicitly stated that "Chicago and Boston are on notice to take actions that enhance safety and reduce the crime affecting their riders and transit workers — or risk federal support."
This increased focus on urban transit safety is occurring alongside other federal actions, including a lawsuit against the Wu administration in Boston over immigration enforcement policies. These developments suggest a broader strategy of federal intervention in the affairs of major U.S. cities.
The MBTA now has less than two weeks to formulate a response that satisfies the Department of Transportation's demands, with significant federal funding hanging in the balance. The outcome will likely have major implications for the future of public transit in the Boston area.
