MBTA General Manager to Retire

Boston, MA - Mass. Bay Transit Authority General Manager Frank DePaola announced Monday he will retire June 30, due to health concerns.

DePaola, a Brockton native, took on the heavy task of restoring the MBTA system in February 2015, after last year's crippling winter storms caused shutdowns and delays, spurring the resignation of his predecessor, Beverly Scott.

Brian Shortsleeve will be acting GM effective July 1, the MBTA said in a statement.

DePaolo, who has been battling cancer, said in the statement: “My decision to retire is a difficult one but I cannot continue to spend the countless hours that the job demands while continuing needed treatment and focusing on my health.”

Gov. Charlie Baker, who appointed DePaola and tasked him with setting the transit system right, commended his work and his service.

“Frank has been the kind of General Manager that the MBTA needs, someone whose management style has helped the MBTA to increase the public’s confidence in the transit system’s performance while also leading the T workforce during a period of change. On behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration, I want to express my appreciation to Frank for his work ethic and dedication," Baker said in the statement.

>> Photo via MBTA