(MyFoxBoston.com) -- In a Friday afternoon press conference, Governor Charlie Baker announced the panel tasked with diagnosing the problems of the MBTA.
"Let me be clear," Gov. Baker said, "we can not continue to do the same thing and expect a different result." Baker added that the MBTA issues required some "big league talent" in order to get solved as quickly and effectively as possible.
The panel is tasked with reviewing recent MBTA studies, conducting a performance review of the transportation system, and examining the T's core functions. Ultimately, the panel is expected to make recommendations on how to improve the MBTA's structure and operations.
"Public transportation plays a major role in supporting and driving the region's economy and in order to fix the problems with the MBTA they first must be diagnosed," said Gov. Baker.
Members of the MBTA advisory panel have backgrounds that span across transportation, economic development and municipal planning. The experts include Jane Garvey, Jose A. Gomez-Ibanez and Katie Lapp. Paul Barrett will serve as chair.
Secretary Stephanie Pollack on MassDOT said that there are three immediate goals when it comes to the MBTA: First, dig out the tracks. Second, fix the vehicles as quickly as possible. Third, get the company the commuter rail operator to live up to the service contract and provide commuters with the service they expect.
The advisory panel is set to report their findings at the end of March.