MBTA GM Frank DePaola to Retire, Focus on Cancer Battle

DePaola and Gov. Baker. Photo via Governor’s Office/Joanne DeCaro

MBTA general Frank DePaola will retire to focus on his battle with cancer, the agency announced Monday.

DePaola informed MBTA staff he would step down after his appointment expires on June 30. Brian Shortsleeve, the T’s chief administrator, will become acting general manager effective July 1.

“My decision to retire is a difficult one but I cannot continue to spend the countless hours that the job demands while continuing needed treatment and focusing on my health,” DePaola said in the statement.

DePaola came aboard during some of the beleaguered transportation agency’s bleakest days. His predecessor Bev Scott abruptly resigned amidst criticism over the T’s abysmal performance during the snowiest winter in Boston’s history. DePaola previously served as the state’s highway administrator.

“Frank has been the kind of general manager that the MBTA needs, someone whose management style has helped the MBTA to increase the public’s confidence in the transit system’s performance while also leading the T workforce during a period of change,” Gov. Charlie Baker said.

DePaola’s time at the helm of the T saw the implementation of Baker’s $83 million winter resiliency plan, as well as on-budget, ahead-of-schedule opening of Government Center station following a two-year renovation.