Former MBTA Track Inspector Pleads Guilty in Red Line Fraud Probe as Agency Plans Service Updates

A former MBTA employee who worked as a track inspector pleaded guilty on Tuesday in a Cabot Yard fraud probe, according to reports from WCVB, Boston 25 News, The Boston Globe, and a Facebook post. According to the Facebook post, the former employee pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracies to falsify track inspection reports and to collect fraudulent overtime payments. Boston 25 News reported that the guilty plea involved falsifying Red Line reports as well as overtime fraud, while The Boston Globe similarly reported that the former MBTA employee pleaded guilty to falsifying track inspection records and committing overtime fraud.

The guilty plea regarding Red Line track inspection records comes as the MBTA prepares for higher train speeds on part of the line. Following recent Red Line service reports and lifted speed restrictions, NBC Boston reported on Thursday that the Red Line will soon hit 50 mph between JFK and Braintree.

On the bus network, the MBTA is launching new enforcement measures and purchasing additional vehicles. Mass Transit reported on Thursday that the MBTA has partnered with Hayden AI to launch an automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement program. Separately, The Boston Globe reported on Thursday that the MBTA is buying 65 hybrid buses, while noting that those vehicles do not count toward the agency's climate goal.

In other transit service news, Yahoo reported on Friday that an MBTA train to Salem has beer, wine, and cocktails onboard.

These transit updates take place alongside an ongoing dispute between the MBTA and city lawmakers over the Blue Hill Avenue project. As WCVB and Boston.com reported, the Boston City Council subpoenaed MBTA General Manager Phil Eng over the Blue Hill Avenue redevelopment. NBC Boston reported on Friday that the Blue Hill Avenue revamp has spurred a clash between the Boston City Council and the MBTA.