Time to Step Up, MBCR

The MBTA has renewed its contract with the MBCR. Statistics confirmed what everyone knew—that commuter rail in Massachusetts needs a major overhaul, yet the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company will get three more years to do whatever it is that they do.

So, when you're stuck on the train or waiting for the train, you know who to thank.

For some background, Bostonist Noah Bierman's Globe piece on the history between the MBTA and MBCR. The key points? Only 84.5 percent of commuter trains have been on time this year. Oh, and the current co-owner of MBCR, James O'Leary used to run the MBTA in the 1980s.

Yet the Globe editorial board vouched for keeping the MBCR to solve labor disputes that were slowing the trains: "With a vote of confidence from the T, his company is a sound choice to handle the latest labor problems, improve on-time performance, and negotiate contracts that are fair to workers, passengers, and the taxpayers of Massachusetts, who ultimately keep the trains running."

The question remains: Is the MBTA's decision to extend its contract with MBCR for running the commuter rail a vote of confidence—or a vote of resignation?

Image of train from the MBCR home page.