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          9:45am - 11:00am

          The Westin Boston Seaport

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          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

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          Read More
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

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Transporation First Logo

State of
Public Transit

March 5, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Overview

  • Hear directly from Phillip Eng on the state of public transit and the Commonwealth’s strategy to improve transportation infrastructure statewide.
  • Connect with leaders and key stakeholders around shared priorities shaping the future of transportation in Massachusetts.

Tickets

  • Free to Members & Non-Members
Register Now
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  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • Agenda
  • FAQs
  • Sponsor
  • Location

On the Right Track: Connecting People, Powering Progress.

Join us on Thursday, March 5, for the first session in this year’s Transportation First series – an initiative dedicated to confronting the Commonwealth’s most urgent transportation challenges and shaping long-term solutions for Massachusetts. Through this series, we convene leaders and innovators whose work directly influences the daily experience of employees and employers who rely on a strong, reliable transit system.

This session will feature Phillip Eng, Interim Secretary and CEO of MassDOT and General Manager of the MBTA, who will share key insights into the current state of the MBTA, the strategic direction guiding the future of public transportation, and the Administration’s approach to improving transportation infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. His leadership and vision will set the stage for the Chamber’s expanded 2026 Transportation First programming, which will continue to highlight critical mobility issues, track progress, and elevate the voices driving meaningful change across Massachusetts.

Following the address, Phillip Eng will have a conversation with James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, to further discuss innovative solutions and opportunities for transportation in Massachusetts.

ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FIRST

The Transportation First series offers a platform to discuss the urgent challenges Greater Boston faces by bringing in experts and changemakers to explore the issues and potential solutions for the future of the Commonwealth. This series will help raise broader awareness among employees and employers who are affected by the transit system every day.

By prioritizing all modes of transportation, we can tackle and mitigate other significant policy challenges, including housing, climate decarbonization and adaptation, economic development, economic opportunity, and education access. Transportation First is not only about transportation, but also about delivering improved, more connected and sustainable solutions that are shaping Massachusetts’ tomorrow.

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Erica Deese

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Erica

Speakers

Phil Eng Updated
Phillip Eng

Interim Secretary and CEO, General Manager, MassDOT, MBTA

Phillip Eng is the Interim Secretary and CEO of MassDOT and General Manager and CEO of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He is a Civil Engineer…Read more
Phillip Eng is the Interim Secretary and CEO of MassDOT and General Manager and CEO of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He is a Civil Engineer with more than 40 years of transportation experience, including President of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Long Island Rail Road and Interim President of New York City Transit.

In 2024, under Mr. Eng’s direction, the MBTA completed its ambitious and comprehensive Track Improvement Program to repair track infrastructure across the entire transit system and perform state of good repair work to provide longer term system reliability. More than 200 speed restrictions were eliminated during the aggressive 15-month program along five subway lines, reducing the percentage of tracks under restriction from 26 percent to zero, and returning an estimated 90 minutes of commuting time to riders.

Mr. Eng began his career in public service in 1983 as a Junior Engineer at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) where he gained expertise in Structures, Bridge Inspection, Maintenance, and Design and Construction.

During his tenure at NYSDOT, Mr. Eng held positions of increasing leadership culminating as Executive Deputy Commissioner, throughout which he played a vital role improving project delivery for significant projects such as the I-81 Environmental Impact Study, the Rochester Train Station, and the construction of the new Kosciuszko and Mario M. Cuomo bridges.

Phillip Eng earned his Bachelor of Engineering at Cooper Union and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Mr. Eng is the recipient of the 2025 Engineering Center Education Trust Leadership Award and the 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers, National, Government Civil Engineer of the Year Award.

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Jim Rooney Headshot
James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association. With Rooney’s…Read more
James E. Rooney is President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the region’s most influential business association.

With Rooney’s commitment and leadership, the Greater Boston Chamber is now the leading convener, voice, and advocate for the region. Strategizing with government leaders, private companies, and public institutions to strengthen the state’s competitiveness, Rooney advances the future of commerce with public policies and legislation that champions dynamic and resilient people, communities, and workplaces.

Before leading the Chamber, Rooney served as executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) while leading the management teams of four MCCA-owned facilities. Prior, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet to move forward all aspects of city governance.

Rooney started his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. Using his transportation financing expertise, Rooney led one of the nation’s largest transportation projects, the $15 billion “Big Dig” Central Artery highway project, and he served as Chief Financial Officer at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

Rooney serves in leadership positions on several boards of directors, including the Committee of 100 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Co-Chair of the Madison Park Steering Committee, and Member of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney continues to be recognized for his professional and civic contributions, including being named to the list of 100 Most Influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine numerous times, receiving the City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for advocacy of the immigrant community, and he was honored with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry.

Born and raised in South Boston, Rooney attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, where he served as President of his graduating class. He graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

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Agenda

  • 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Registration & Networking

    In-person guests arrive, sign in at registration, and network with fellow attendees. Refreshments will be provided.

  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Program

    For those joining us in-person and virtually, hear an address from Phillip Eng, Interim Secretary and CEO of MassDOT and General Manager of the MBTA, followed by a fireside chat led by James E. Rooney, exploring the current state and future plans of Public Transit across the Commonwealth.

FAQs

  • What is included in my registration?

    Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation! Refreshments will be provided.

  • What should I bring?

    An interest in connecting and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

  • What should I wear?

    Please come dressed for your day!

  • When should I arrive?

    For in-person, registration begins at 11:00 a.m., with program starting promptly at 11:30 a.m.

    Note: If attending virtually you will be sent the link to join ahead of the program which will begin at 11:30 a.m.

  • Do I need to register in advance?

    We recommend registering in advance to secure your spot! We have a limited number of in-person tickets available due to capacity limits.

Series Sponsor

state street logo

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

265 Franklin Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

Get Directions

This is a free event but if you can no longer attend please notify us so we can open up spots for other guests. 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or virtual platform, please contact us at [email protected].

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