Federal prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with MBTA track inspection fraud, revealing serious misconduct and violations of public trust within the transit agency. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Federal prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with MBTA track inspection fraud, revealing serious misconduct and violations of public trust within the transit agency
Crews worked in critical track areas during this Red Line service suspension. Complimentary photo and caption by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

Authorities indicted Brian Pfaffinger, Ronald Gamble, Jensen Vatel, Nathalie Mendes, and Andy Vicente for falsifying records and making false statements. Some also allegedly worked on personal cars during paid shifts.

Don’t miss…Nightjet Now Connects Vienna and Innsbruck with Amsterdam

Investigators found the workers claimed to complete Red Line inspections between September 3 and October 15, 2024. However, records show they remained at Cabot Yard and failed to conduct actual inspections.

Three employees reportedly used work hours to repair private vehicles. One of them allegedly worked on a supervisor’s car during scheduled track inspection time.

Pfaffinger, the former supervisor, was also charged with generating false inspection documents. He allegedly fabricated an October 14 report for an inspection that never occurred.

MBTA track inspection fraud uncovered during system upgrades

The alleged fraud came to light as MBTA celebrated improvements to the Red Line. In December 2024, the line was free of slow zones for the first time in two decades.

Crews completed upgrades under the Track Improvement Program. They replaced 2,230 feet of rail, 177 ties, and 3,350 plates. Workers also resurfaced and tamped 13,800 feet of track.

In January 2025, the MBTA confirmed speeds reached 50 mph on upgraded segments, marking a major milestone in infrastructure improvement.

MBTA track inspection fraud leads to strong agency response

MBTA General Manager Phil Eng responded quickly to the charges. The agency emphasized accountability and thanked federal investigators for their work.

Officials stated that those involved in MBTA track inspection fraud do not represent the agency’s values. MBTA reiterated its commitment to safety and integrity across the entire transit system.

As the investigation continues, the agency pledges to enforce high standards and prevent future misconduct.

Source: www.rtands.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Ukraine needs $20B for railway reconstruction after the war

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit