On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Pari Kim, one of the stars of Netflix’s "Love on the Spectrum". Long before Pari was featured on the show, she was the MBTA’s biggest fan and a passionate rail enthusiast. In this episode, we chat with Pari about her newfound fame, how she’s using her platform to advocate for public transit, what her plans for the future are, and how she plans to use art to continue to celebrate her passions. Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at soci...
Jun 25, 2025•27 min
In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by David Perry, Director of Ferry Operations at the MBTA. David shares the story of how his role came to be, what his day to day duties are and how far the ferry system has come in recent years. He also gives us a rundown on what riders can expect for ferry schedule and frequency as the T works to continue to support this incredible mode of transport. If you've never been on board an MBTA ferry before, we also go over ticketing, amenities, parking ...
May 21, 2025•43 min
In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Kate Dineen, President and CEO of A Better City. Kate shares how her organization is working to shape a more sustainable, connected, and competitive Greater Boston through strategic investments in transportation, infrastructure, and land use. We talk about the role transit plays in economic growth, climate resilience, and regional equity, and how business leaders are stepping up to support the MBTA. Kate also gives her take on the importance of ...
Apr 23, 2025•55 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Senator Brendan Crighton of the Third Essex district. Senator Crighton chats with us about his district’s relationship to transit, how transit helps provide economic development to the region, and what T projects are particularly exciting to his constituents. We’ll hear about electrification, ferry service and the environmental justice corridor and how the state legislature is helping to advance transit access across the region. If you’re curiou...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min
In this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined once again by MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, who shares exciting updates on the T’s journey toward improvement. Phil reflects on the successful completion of the Track Improvement Plan and outlines how 2025 will mark another year of significant progress. He also dives into the implications of Governor Healey’s transformative $8 billion commitment to transit over the next decade and what it means for riders and the MBTA’s future. Curious about the n...
Jan 29, 2025•31 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Sam Zhou, Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Capital at the MBTA. Sam brings over 30 years of project management experience to the T. With Sam’s practiced leadership, the MBTA has been able to leverage 26 service diversions over the past 14 months to accomplish the equivalent of 40 years worth of night and weekend system wide maintenance. Sam shares how the Track Improvement Plan team was able to accomplish this massive undertaking, and ...
Dec 27, 2024•34 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with McKinley Theobald, Deputy Director of Emergency Management at MassDOT. McKinley shares her strategy for emergency management at MassDOT and the collaborative effort to help the MBTA keep people safe in emergency situations. McKinley also speaks about how weather can impact how MassDOT and MBTA resources are utilized during snow, ice, extreme cold or extreme heat. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comme...
Dec 04, 2024•37 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Doug Connett, Chief of Infrastructure at the MBTA. Doug outlines his plans for bringing MBTA infrastructure into a state of good repair and keeping it there. His multi-step plan for future success includes a comprehensive overhaul of outdated systems and procedures that will allow the MBTA to make significant strides in increasing safety and reliability for riders, as well as increasing operational efficiency across the system. If you’re curious a...
Nov 06, 2024•35 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Michael Muller, the Executive Director of Commuter Rail at the MBTA. Michael tells us how Commuter Rail service has been changing since the pandemic, shares the plan to increase Commuter Rail service frequency and electrify the service, and what the future holds for Commuter Rail as a whole. Join us as we take a deep dive into the Commuter Rail at the MBTA. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments an...
Oct 09, 2024•34 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Joanne Daniels-Finegold, the named plaintiff in the landmark Joanne Daniels-Finegold, et al. v. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority case, a class action lawsuit that alleged that the MBTA had failed to make the system accessible for everyone. In 2006, the parties entered into the Daniels-Finegold Settlement Agreement, forever changing the face of accessibility at the T. Joanne shares the events of her transformation into transit advocate an...
Sep 19, 2024•28 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Stacy Thompson from LivableStreets Alliance about transit advocacy, transit oriented development, and how LivableStreets is trying to help shape the region into an affordable, connected and climate resilient community. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with ...
Aug 07, 2024•39 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Jed Paul, a local TikTok creator known for his deadpan satire about riding the T. Jed tells the story of how he got into making transit focused content, shares a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, and details his journey from TikTok personality to transit advocate with a preview of what comes next for him. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. ...
Jun 26, 2024•25 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Dennis Varley, Chief of Stations at the MBTA. Dennis explains the decisions that led to the creation of his position and how he plans to make stations cleaner, brighter, newer, and, most importantly, safer for riders all across the system. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Your feedback might end up in an episode of the show. Follow the MBTA on social m...
Jun 05, 2024•30 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we speak with Justin Antos, the Sr. Director of Bus Transformation at the MBTA. Justin explains how bus fits into the transit landscape in greater Boston, and how the Bus Network Redesign project is improving and expanding the bus system across the region. Justin digs into the intricacies of how and why we’re changing bus service, and explains how rider and operator feedback were critical in developing a more robust, equitable system for all. If you’re curious ...
May 08, 2024•36 min
On this episode, Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan joins us to discuss his unique approach to leading Operations at the MBTA. Ryan’s life has been steeped in transit for as long as he can remember. Ryan brings hands-on experience to his role as the COO of the MBTA, and his passion for transit inspires his dedication towards supporting and bettering the Authority. Come with us as we dive deep into Operations at the MBTA. If you’re curious about something at the MBTA, please reach out with ques...
Apr 10, 2024•42 min
On this episode, Chief of Operations Planning, Scheduling & Strategy, Kat Benesh, joins us to discuss all things Diversion. If you’ve ever wondered why we divert service, why diversions are the length that they are, why we don’t do this work overnight or on weekends, or when these diversions will end, this is the episode for you. Kat will answer all these questions and more in this episode of Spilling the T. This episode was created in response to listeners who asked us questions about diver...
Mar 13, 2024•46 min
On this episode of Spilling the T, we welcome Chief Administrative Officer, David Panagore to the show. David gives us the insider scoop on all things budget. We talk about how the MBTA is funded, how the Governor plans to support the MBTA, the impending financial cliff and much, much more. Reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system.
Feb 21, 2024•28 min
In this episode of Spilling the T, we welcome back MBTA General Manager and CEO, Philip Eng, to look forward at what's in store for the MBTA for 2024. GM Eng shares his playbook for addressing the forthcoming challenges facing the MBTA in the new year, and looks back at the challenges and victories of his first full year leading the MBTA. Reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system....
Jan 31, 2024•21 min
What is a transit advocate? How does TransitMatters collaborate with the T to help make transit better for riders? What will the T look like as we move into the future? In this episode of Inside the T, we answer all of these questions and more in our conversation with Jarred Johnson from TransitMatters.
Dec 06, 2023•34 min
Have you ever wondered how we schedule trains and buses and ferries and trollies all across the T? On this episode of Spilling the T, we chat with Deirdre Habershaw about schedules and service delivery at the MBTA and share the behind-the-scenes look at how we tailor our service to get riders where they need to go.
Nov 15, 2023•43 min
Spilling the T is back for a second helping and in this podcast episode, MassDOT Acting Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt talks about the bigger picture. Listen to the Secretary's top priorities, like climate change and giving people transportation options. Reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system.
Oct 25, 2023•32 min
In the inaugural episode of the Spilling the T podcast, we speak with MBTA General Manager Philip Eng who shares his plans for the Authority, and tells us about his innovative roadmap for success that will increase safety and reliability, and get riders where they need to go. Reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system.
Oct 18, 2023•28 min
Welcome to Spilling the T, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the MBTA. Hosted by Andrew Cassidy of the MBTA’s Customer and Employee Experience department, each episode takes a deep dive into the inner workings and issues the T is facing. Reach out with questions, comments and show suggestions at social@mbta.com. Follow the MBTA on social media to keep up with news and updates about the system.
Oct 17, 2023•30 sec
