(Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Last month, it was reported that the MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board (FMCB) was assembling a safety review panel following multiple derailments, disruptions, and delays.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Karyn Regal looked into how much the independent safety audit would cost.
After repeated press inquiries and a public records request, the MBTA released the contracts between the three hired consultants and the T.
The contracts reveal former Federal Transit Administration head Carolyn Flowers will cost $499 per hour.
Former New York MTA chief Carmen Bianco charges $412.50 per hour. He also has two associates who will cost $200 an hour each.
Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood commands $35,000 a month.
These charges are before expenses. There is currently no total estimate.
Each contract can be extended up to 12 months.
The MBTA has experienced a series of derailments and service disruptions so far this year.
Several hundred people were evacuated from the MBTA Orange Line on Friday due to a track fire between the Wellington and Malden Center stops.
In July, it was reported that an ex-MBTA employee claimed he was fired for pointing out major safety concerns on the T.
FMCB chair Joseph Aiello said in a statement that the panel will help create "a culture of safety."
"The panel's review comes at a critical time as the MBTA ramps up capital spending and accelerates major infrastructure improvement projects. With each panelist having a reputation for independent thought and candor, I fully expect a frank and transparent review of MBTA safety practices and past incident," Aiello said.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports