The consequences of prolonged neglect of MBTA

When things go wrong, the immediate reaction is to blame someone for the problem. Finding the culprit seems to be more important than curing the crisis. With the collapse of Boston’s public transit system because of the mounting snowfall, the media quickly asserted that the inconvenience was caused by the alleged incompetence of the MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.

That journalistic approach is no accident. Reporters know that a personal attack generates more excitement and interest. Disabled trains, rusting in the rail yard, cannot be relied on even for a fascinating photograph.

Dr. Scott is a keenly intelligent, experienced manager of public transit systems, who does not shy away from confronting critics. Her educational background is far more extensive than what is required for the job. She is a Phi Beta Kappa alumna from Fisk University in Political Science and she has a Ph.D. with a specialization in public administration from Howard University.

She came to Boston in September 2012, at the behest of Gov. Deval Patrick, to help rescue the MBTA from its falling revenues and rising costs. The system is already $9 billion in debt, with a $3 billion backlog of deferred maintenance, according to analysts.

Then came the snow, and unplowed streets impeded the bus traffic. Trains could not move on frozen tracks. Some politicians and impatient MBTA riders were so critical of management, it was equivalent to calling for the general manager’s job.

Even though her job is protected by contract, Dr. Scott resigned, knowing that with her qualifications there are always more congenial opportunities. Once again, the citizens have misplaced the blame and lost sight of the problem.