Isn’t all of this moot if, as the recent report very clearly stated, that the MBTA's track staff weren't trained well enough and roles for maintenance were super unclear? This mess led to a huge pile-up of repairs and forced systemwide slow-zones in March. Those slow zones have been increasing as of late. Because of these problems, it's pretty clear that getting the tracks fixed is going to take a lot more than throwing money, time, and the same people at the issue.
They've got to sort out the training and role issues first and foremost. People keep acting like if the MBTA just had the time and funding to fix things, it would get fixed. They need time and funding yes, but the actual most pressing steps Eng needs to take first before we see highly functional service return (I don’t know how many of these have been taken):
- Needs Assessment: The first step would be to conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the skills gaps and areas where current training is inadequate.
- External Expertise: Consider bringing in industry experts to help design the curriculum and training modules, ensuring they meet current best practices.
- Pilot Program: Before rolling out the training system-wide, start with a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the training modules and make necessary adjustments.
- Modular Training: Create a modular, scalable training program that allows for both in-person and online training, making it easier to reach all staff.
- Ongoing Evaluation: Establish benchmarks for success and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the training program, making adjustments as needed.
- Management Support: Ensure management is fully committed to the training initiative, both in terms of providing the necessary resources and ensuring staff participation.
- Certification: Require staff to pass competency tests after completing the training, and perhaps offer incentives for completion.
- Accountability: Establish a clear chain of command and accountability for the implementation and outcomes of the training program.
- Continuous Learning: Make training an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Update materials and methods regularly to adapt to new technology and regulations.
- Feedback Loops: Implement channels for trainees to provide feedback about the training program, and use this data for continuous improvement.
If I’m Eng, this is my focus. Nothing can be fixed until the people doing the fixing know what they are doing, which as recent reports very clearly state, they do not.