Workforce
MBTA staffing levels are crucial for providing safe, reliable, and accessible service. From the right of way (ROW), to the office, sufficient staffing is necessary to provide service and manage the organization.
Our goal for staffing the MBTA is to build and support a resilient, efficient, and effective workforce. We are evolving our planning, tools, and processes to provide a knowledgeable and engaged team.
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Workforce assessment
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To build the team we need today and plan for the future, we are developing a model to define near- and long-term staffing needs. As our vision and service goals evolve, we will continue to use this model to make sure our team is adequately staffed.
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Hiring plan
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Based on the workforce assessment, and a review of Human Resources processes and policies, the hiring plan will build a strategy for hiring the staff we need over five years.
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Safety certification
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We are updating our Safety and Security Certification Program to incorporate the latest industry standards and practices, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure that resources are available to support program activities.
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Contractor oversight
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We are improving collaboration with our contractors to build a safer working environment for all. We are reaching out to contractors for feedback and communicating the latest safety policies and procedures.
FTA Safety Management Inspection Response
FTA Special Directive 22-09
During their Safety Management Inspection (SMI), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued Special Directive (SD) 22-09 and found that the MBTA:
- Does not have enough staff for current rail transit operations, maintenance, and capital programs
- Has not demonstrated capacity to recruit and hire personnel to meet authorized staffing levels
- Needs more resources to support safety engineering and certification processes for capital projects
- Needs more oversight of contractor work sites
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
![Pie chart showing the MBTA has submitted 83% of action items in Corrective Action Plans addressing FTA Special Directive 22-09. 31 submissions accepted by the FTA, 7 under FTA review, 8 not yet submitted. Below the pie chart, a horizontal bar chart shows we are 81% through the completion timeline ending in 2024.]](https://d2pf1bds5l9ll.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/media/2024-06/Dashboard_%2022-9.png?itok=uHpKBOs4)
The MBTA developed CAPs to address SD 22-09 findings. CAPs are made up of action items at different stages of progress:
- Not yet submitted: The action item has not been completed.
- Under FTA review: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA is reviewing the MBTA's submission.
- Resubmissions in progress: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA requested additional information from the MBTA.
- Submissions accepted by the FTA: The MBTA completed the action item and submitted documentation to the FTA. The FTA accepted the MBTA’s submission.
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-09 CAP 1 conducts a workforce assessment to ensure staffing levels and resources meet the needs of current rail transit operations and mission-critical activities. | Status | In progress |
| CAP | SD 22-09 CAP 2 develops and implements a recruitment and hiring plan showing how staffing levels will be achieved and maintained in the future. | Status | In progress |
| CAP | SD 22-09 CAP 3 modifies safety engineering and certification requirements to meet the growing needs for capital projects and vehicle engineering. | Status | In progress |
| CAP | SD 22-09 CAP 4 reviews inspection and resident engineering resources needed to collaborate with contractors and ensure compliance with MBTA safety rules and the safety of personnel while in active work zones. | Status | In progress |
