MONDAY COMMUTERS GREETED BY NEW ‘COUNTDOWN CLOCKS’

BOSTON – December 17, 2012 – On her first day as new MBTA General Manager and Rail & Transit Administrator for MassDOT, Dr. Beverly Scott started her morning by greeting customers on the Blue Line platform at State Station and on the Orange Line to Chinatown Station.

Joined by Secretary Richard Davey, Dr. Scott was there to introduce herself to riders as well as mark the installation of ‘countdown clocks’ in 24 stations. Today’s announcement brings the total to 190 signs in 30 stations. The majority of the Blue, Orange and Red Line stations now have highly visible and highly accurate clocks on platforms informing customers of how much time is left before the next train arrives. “Countdown signs are just one more innovation the MBTA has unleashed in recent months to make the customer experience more convenient and take some of the guesswork out of riding the T,” Said Joshua K. Robin Director of Innovation for the MBTA. With today’s launch, the majority of MBTA customers will now be able to count on the countdown clocks to help plan their trips.

“I am thrilled to begin work with the MBTA today,” Dr. Scott said, “I know the T is a vital part of many peoples’ lives and I’m honored to be a part of its leadership team. I’m looking forward to getting to know our customers and helping improve their experience with us.” Dr. Scott was also joined by outgoing Acting General Manager Jonathan Davis, who reassumes his position as Chief Financial Officer today and was instrumental in the development of the countdown clock service.

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard Davey said “Dr. Scott brings with her years of invaluable experience as well as a fresh perspective on the MBTA. I think it’s fitting that Dr. Scott start her first day introducing a system that will improve our customers’ experience and I’m sure it’ll be the first of many great moments for her leading the MBTA.”