In a pivotal decision today, September 25th, Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Mary Skelton Roberts to the Board of Directors of the MBTA, marking the first time the City of Boston will have a seat at the table in the governance of the region's public transit system. This milestone in the city's history comes after years of advocacy and, as multiple sources have reported, could potentially herald a new era in creating and fostering a thriving, connected, and sustainable metropolis.
Beyond being an advocate for equity and climate solutions, Mary Skelton Roberts also brings to the table her personal experience as an MBTA commuter. In her new role, she will represent the needs of Bostonians who depend on public transit every day. In an official statement, Wu expressed her admiration and confidence in Mary's capacity to serve the city, highlighting her passion, expertise, and hands-on experience in transportation policy and community engagement.
Mary Skelton Roberts has an impressive background in climate and transportation policy, currently holding positions as the President of the Climate Beacon Conference and Senior Advisor to the Climate Beacon Project. Skelton Roberts is also a member of Governor Maura Healey's Council on Latino Empowerment and is involved in numerous local organizations, including the Boston Girls and Boys Clubs, Amplify Latinx, and Point32Health Foundation.
As the first City of Boston appointee to the MBTA Board, Skelton Roberts has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of public transit in the city. Among the priorities that Mayor Wu has identified for her administration's transit goals are improving the bus rider experience, expanding fare-free transit, streamlining Commuter Rail pricing, and making communication with riders more transparent regarding improvements to the MBTA system. These goals align with the views of the broader Boston community, as a public call for ideas and recommendations in August gathered input from over 150 residents, with nearly 100 expressing a direct interest in serving and staying involved in advocacy.
It is also important to note Skelton Roberts' work in reducing carbon emissions, as her previous roles included Senior Vice President at the Energy Foundation and Co-director of Climate at the Barr Foundation, where she focused on transportation, climate resilience, and land-use strategies. In an official statement, Skelton Roberts expressed her gratitude to Mayor Wu for the opportunity to serve and her determination to help create a healthier and more sustainable city.
