Overview
- The MBTA released a separation agreement on Aug. 14 that was signed by both parties on Aug. 7 and provides Gabrielle Mondestin with $495,000 and a resignation date of Sept. 18.
- MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng acknowledged the 2024 incident, apologized saying he regrets his actions, and the settlement contains no admission of wrongdoing by Eng.
- The $495,000 payment covers a one-time supplemental wage, damages, and attorneys’ fees and follows Mondestin’s service as the agency’s chief communications officer since 2023.
- Reporting and employment lawyers say it is unclear what investigative steps the MBTA took before the deal and note that an independent probe is standard for claims involving senior officials.
- Eng’s dual role as MBTA general manager and interim state transportation secretary has drawn public and political attention and could renew scrutiny of the agency’s workplace culture and oversight.