MBTA fires two more workers in Cabot Yard probe, agency says

The MBTA has fired two more employees in connection with a criminal investigation into allegations they were operating personal or private vehicles during work hours at a South Boston train yard, the agency confirmed to the Herald Saturday.

Agency officials have let go a total of eight employees, with the most recent layoffs occurring about three weeks ago, MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said. One employee received a multi-day suspension and two others remain on administrative leave while the investigation continues, Pesaturo said.

MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said the alleged actions at the agency’s Cabot Yard facility not only “discredit” employees and their families, but also their colleagues.

“This is something we will continue to stress internally. This is not acceptable. And when we identify those things, if they happen, we will take swift action. That’s how we rebuild public trust and that’s how we demonstrate that we’re going to put taxpayers’ money to better use,” he said during a pre-recorded interview with WCVB published on Friday.

After an October meeting, Eng confirmed the investigation into the employees and said the MBTA Transit Police Department was investigating allegations of “potential criminal activity.” The Boston Globe reported.

In an earlier statement provided to the Herald, Eng said the alleged misconduct “does not reflect the values ​​of the MBTA community and has not and will not affect the progress we are making throughout the system.”

“We take these allegations very seriously as we have an obligation to the public we serve and our workforce to ensure that every employee meets the highest standards of conduct. We will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure accountability based on the findings of the investigation and to prevent a situation like this from happening again,” he said.