MBTA Faces Massive Budget Deficit as Ferry Ridership Surges

Cohasset implements new hiring policy to increase transparency

COHASSET, MA - September 17 - The MBTA Advisory Board reported an impending fiscal crisis for FY25, with a budget deficit five times larger than during the COVID-19 pandemic. This financial challenge could impact local transit services, including the ferry and commuter rail.

Corey Evans, Cohasset's MBTA Advisory Board representative, presented the financial outlook to the town's select board Tuesday night. "The deficit that's going to start next year is five times larger than what was faced during COVID," Evans said.

He added, "So far, there's no answer to this. There's no clear plan about how to make up the budget shortfall or what the cuts will look like."

Despite financial challenges, the South Shore Ferry has seen a resurgence in ridership. Evans reported that "ridership on the ferry is really beating system-wide [pre-COVID] averages for post COVID." In some recent months, ferry ridership has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

The MBTA appointed its first Director of Ferry Operations, David Perry, to address growing demand and operational challenges. Evans explained, "Now we have an internal advocate who's looking at routes, who's looking at scheduling, looking at the issues."

One primary concern is capacity constraints. Evans noted, "There are people that are left on the dock. There's not enough seats on the boat." This issue is problematic for commuters who may wait an additional hour for the next ferry.

In other town business, Human and Community Services Director Meaghan James presented a new hiring policy aimed at increasing transparency and board involvement in the recruitment process. The policy outlines a more collaborative approach to hiring for town positions.

"The new policy is to, this is a summary, first to prepare. So what I propose is the first thing that HR will do was meet with the Town Manager to discuss job openings before posting them," James explained. She added, "At that time, we will bring in the appropriate board or committee to review the recruitment strategy and the job description for feedback."

This approach aims to ensure boards and committees have input in setting procedures. James emphasized, "So that we're moving forward as a team and that there's some buy-in."

The policy includes steps for screening applicants, conducting interviews, and performing background checks. James stated, "After the decision is made to hire the candidate, it's made by the town manager. The HR director will conduct professional reference check, appointment verification, any necessary background checks or tests."

Town Manager Chris Senior announced that Cohasset received its 12th award for financial services. "I want to thank all the folks in the department and all the staff our auditors it's another example of the town doing the right thing it's financial statements benchmarked against the national standards," Senior said.