Make-or-Buy Decision Framework for Transit Services

The Field Lab partnered with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to support decision-making around contracting for transit services. The project focused on evaluating criteria for performing services in-house versus contracting externally.

Project Partner

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Transit Facilities and Maintenance Department

Project Summary

Students worked with MBTA staff to analyze service delivery models and contracting practices for transit-related services. The project aimed to support the development of a structured framework for evaluating service delivery options.

Areas of Focus

The team examined criteria relevant to contracting decisions, benchmarking practices across transit systems, and considerations related to cost, capability, and operational fit. The analysis focused on documenting criteria and comparative practices related to service delivery.

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