Beverly Scott - and the T ran fairly okay under her leadership until the 2015 Snowpocalypse. MBTA didn't have the equipment to de-ice the tracks and shit couldn't move.

Falling on the sword was, in retrospect, the wrong move. But the public was angry and Baker needed a head. I remember her press conference, she did not want to resign. But it seems like it was either that or get fired. Scott was appointed under Patrick and resigned under Baker, therefore Baker looked like he was cleaning house and it boosted his support.

If Eng is scapegoated, it's a poor reflection of Maura Healy's judgement. She appointed him. It also would reflect poorly on the State senate - since they often hid behind the excuse of Republican leadership as to why the T doesn't work.

So it's in everyone's best interest for this to succeed.

Personally, I think the MBTA's failings lie in a failure to manage the budget they already have. Other public transit systems do more for less. I'm keen to give this dude a chance.