Phil Eng: Tracking Transit at the T

Since 2023, General Manager Phil Eng of the Massachusett Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)has been overseeing a major upgrade to greater Boston’s subway system and commuter rail and getting accolades from public officials and riders themselves. Recently, Phil was also named Interim Massachusetts Transportation Secretary, reminding us of Ben Franklin’s timeless adage, ‘If you want something done, give it to a busy person.’ 

There’s been a positive shift in public confidence about the MBTA during your leadership. How did you get the public invested in your vision? 

While having the privilege of being a public servant for over 40 years, it is the desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives when given the chance to do so. And it really is more the agency adapting to the public’s vision, which is transportation that is safe, sound, reliable and frequent so they don’t have to think about it but know it’s there when they need it. As we change the culture to one of connecting people vs simply moving buses, trains, ferries, we are listening and acting with intention and transparency to deliver meaningful service and the results that the public has been asking for and deserves. 

What can visitors expect from the MBTA when they are here on vacation or business? 

Visitors and tourists should be able to come to Massachusetts and traverse the state with ease, much like our everyday riders. Ease and freedom of travel are essential and we are proud to continue to improve it every day. In the end, we place great value in our frontline workforce and the role they play in serving everyone in a more personable manner — that is a key part of delivering a transit system for all. 

Contactless payment is a perfect example of technology being used in all sectors, and having it on our transit system is essential. Universal wayfinding is just as critical, with real time information in the palm of your hands through the MBTA Go app. 

Why has MBTA’s expanded ferry service been a pleasant surprise for commuters and tourists alike? 

Building up our water transportation system is another integral part of a well-balanced multi-modal transportation network. The state has made water transportation a priority and we are proud to deliver that for commuters, businesses and tourists. There is nothing like seeing all that Massachu- setts has to offer from a water perspective that offers postcard imagery. With each expansion of water options, we are seeing that ridership is growing, which not only validates the decision to prioritize water transportation but the need to grow it even faster, serving more and more of the waterfront communities. 

What’s your take on the FIFA World Cup matches coming to Gillette Stadium in June 2026? 

I think the World Cup markets itself, but we want to let everyone know that Massachu- setts will be ready to provide best-in-class mass transit service for international travelers who plan to follow their teams throughout the tournament. Working closely with other host cities, we are focused on ensuring that everyone has a memorable experience, with hopes they come back to visit many more times in the future. Who knows, maybe they’ll move to Massachusetts like I did, lol! 

Your wife Carole hails from Wales and has Irish roots in Kinsale, Co. Cork, and it made us curious about whether you two have checked out Boston’s vibrant Celtic and Chinese communities since moving here? 

We are slowly but surely becoming a part of everything Massachusetts has to offer. Boston has so much cultural diversity, but definitely the Chinese community has adopted me, and Carole and I have adopted the many Irish pubs and restaurants as our favorite watering holes for a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny Cream Ale. 

Thanks, Phil.