MBTA: $7.3B Needed to Repair Troubled Rail System

The MBTA has been working diligently to address its faltering transit system after a brutal winter exposed an array of costly flaws. According to a new study, the cost to properly repair the troubled system has climbed to an estimated $7.3 billion.

The Transit Authority’s “State of Good Repair” backlog has grown by more than $650 million since a previous estimate earlier this year, MBTA officials announced Monday.

The Boston Herald reports the MBTA estimated the costs at $6.7 billion back in February.

The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, which was assembled by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to manage improvements to the transit system, delivered the information regarding the updated financial figures at a meeting on Monday.

The backlog is said to be the total amount of money it would cost to bring all MBTA assets up to ideal working order.

Interim General Manager Frank DePaola said it will be difficult for the MBTA to pay for the repairs given their existing budget.