DAN ATKINSON, Author at BINJ

IMPUNITY SERVICE

The state’s police oversight commission only publicizes cops who have been punished, but there’s a back door to discovering the dirty details of departments that let problematic officers linger “The public deserves to see allegations of police misconduct in real time, because officers have tremendous powers and responsibilities in our

DAN ATKINSON June 28, 2023

CRASH & “ERROR”

Family Of Woman Killed By Commuter Rail Sues MBTA For Crash Records There are many stories about people getting hurt and killed by trains. This one’s about what their families may endure in the pursuit of answers and justice Last January, a 68-year-old woman driving through Wilmington died when a

DAN ATKINSON May 4, 2023

“STATE OF GOOD REPAIR”

With the MBTA still very broken, agency lacks clarity in communications with contractors, commuters “We shouldn’t have to be backtracking and deciphering contract packages to figure out when the T will get work done.” The MBTA is preparing to pay contractors $72 million over the next two years to repair

DAN ATKINSON April 20, 2023

COMMUTER COMMUNICATION

Amid Multiple Crises, MBTA Fields Pitches For New Agency Marketing Campaign “You don’t want to be too rosy but I actually think they can do a better job of highlighting the work they have done.” After paying a politically-connected consulting firm more than $4 million to come up with slogans

DAN ATKINSON March 30, 2023

SO MUCH FOR CONTRACTS

State Report Blasts MBTA Contractor Company hired to run Transit Police dispatch service under-delivered, charged extra, and kept inadequate records, according to inspector general’s report Ed. note: This article has been updated to reflect comments from IXP that were received after publication The private company hired to run the MBTA’s

DAN ATKINSON February 7, 2023

EARS FOR FEAR: THE SHOTSPOTTER WORKAROUND

Boston, Regional Police Dodge Transparency Ordinance In Bolstering Surveillance Network At a public hearing at the end of November, Boston police and officials heard from activists and lawmakers concerned about transparency regarding surveillance technology in the city. The gunshot detection system ShotSpotter received particular criticism over accuracy and deployment, but

DAN ATKINSON December 13, 2022

IS ANOTHER SHUTDOWN LOOMING?

Documents: “Complete shut-down of an MBTA rail route” again on the table for MBTA. Transit advocate says planning ahead is “a good thing,” but Red Line could be next and transparency is paramount. The MBTA is planning to double the amount of shuttle bus service in the next five years

DAN ATKINSON November 28, 2022

PAYING TO PLAY

How Rideshare and Delivery Companies Raised $43 Million and Bought Influence In Mass What can $43 million buy? If you’re an alliance of rideshare giants and delivery app companies, it can buy millions of dollars in TV ads, high-powered consultants, and campaign workers who cross over with your biggest opponent.

DAN ATKINSON September 29, 2022

UNFARE?

Transit advocates question costly MBTA study to determine new fare structures As the MBTA prepares to launch a massive study of its fare policies—paying private contractors nearly $1 million to recommend potential changes—transit advocates are questioning why the outgoing Baker administration is setting goals for the T and are urging

DAN ATKINSON September 14, 2022

HACKS, FACTS & CONTRACTS: FOIA FOLLOW-UP

Photo of Gov. Baker surveying Orange Line track work in 2019 by Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office Internal Emails Show How MBTA Sought To Market “Safe,” “Good” Trains As System Failed Starting today, the MBTA shut down the entire Orange Line for a month for massive maintenance and repair work. Riders

DAN ATKINSON August 19, 2022