BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ public transit system could come back to haunt, or help, Gov. Charlie Baker in November’s election.
The Republican has staked much of his Mr. Fix-It reputation on dragging Boston’s creaking subway, bus and commuter rail system into the 21st century.
A reminder of how tough that job is came Wednesday when a train motor failed, causing a Red Line train to derail.
Democrats hoping to unseat Baker seized on the accident as evidence that he isn’t working hard enough to keep the MBTA running smoothly.
Baker called the derailment unacceptable but said his administration continues to work to reverse what he’s described as decades of neglect.
He’s also pressing ahead with a plan for a long-sought-after South Coast commuter rail line from Boston to New Bedford and Fall River.