MBTA Graduates Another Large Class of Heavy Rail Train Drivers

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announces the graduation of another large class of heavy rail train drivers, continuing the momentum of previous efforts to increase graduating class sizes from its training school.

“The skills and expertise that these motorpersons have gained at the training school will contribute to the MBTA’s mission of providing safe and reliable service. We can see from their enthusiasm that they embrace public service and they’re excited to be part of our team,” said General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “From day one, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made rebuilding our workforce a priority, and thanks to the Governor’s leadership, we are more competitive, and the results are telling. We’re attracting talented individuals like these graduates who are now providing quality service to our riders.”

The MBTA is now graduating the largest number of graduates in 18 years, with a class size of 23 now the standard at the training school. This graduating class is trained to operate the agency’s heavy rail system, consisting of Red, Orange, and Blue Line vehicles. The syllabus included classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and extensive safety protocols. Additionally, trainees toured the carhouse and maintenance facility to gain an understanding of train movement within the yard and how maintenance facilities prepare vehicles for service.

The MBTA’s overall efforts to continue to rebuild its workforce are focused on diversity, recruitment, retention, skills training, and leadership development. The agency has invested in restructuring the senior leadership team; improving frontline teams, safety protocols, engineering, and planning; and workforce development and training. More than 1,400 employees have been hired in 2023, surpassing a goal set by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, whose investment of $20 million also supported the Local 589 Agreement critical to MBTA hiring efforts.