Tibbits-Nutt out at MassDOT; T's Eng takes over
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Monica Tibbits-Nutt's time as Gov. Maura Healey's MassDOT secretary is over and the governor is putting the MBTA's Phil Eng in charge of the state's transportations systems.
Why it matters: Eng has seen success rebuilding the T and bringing service back to par for Boston commuters.
- Tibbits-Nutt's oversaw that process, but has been dogged by controversial comments and the highway service plaza drama that's given Republicans a chance to knock Healey's administration.
Driving the news: Healey appointed T General Manager Phil Eng to replace Tibbits-Nutt's on an interim basis as she returns to the private sector.
- Eng will lead both the MBTA and the broader state transportation department for the time being.
- Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver got a promotion to Undersecretary of Transportation, putting him just below Eng at MassDOT.
Catch up quick: Eng has led the MBTA since March 2023.
- His leadership team is credited with reviving the transit system, eliminating all subway speed restrictions for the first time in two decades and opening South Coast Commuter Rail service.
Yes, but: The MBTA is struggling financially and now needs unprecedented amounts of state aid to run so smoothly.
The intrigue: MassDOT is restarting the bidding process for 18 highway service plazas after its chosen contractor, Irish company Applegreen, withdrew from a $1 billion deal last month amid litigation threats from a rival bidder.
- The Waltham-based Global Partners contested how MassDOT picked Applegreen and alleged conflicts of interest.
Zoom in: In its announcement of Tibbits-nutt's departure, the governor's office stressed how MassDOT secured over $1.8 billion in federal funding under her leadership, the highest in state history, according to officials.
What's next: Tibbits-Nutt will stay on as an advisor through Dec. 31.