Massport, Highway Department to help Turnpike

"I think that the public is clearer about the problems we face with the way in which we are structured, and I think that the transportation issues and the conditions of our infrastructure is more apparent to people," he said.

Cohen spoke after the leaders of the agency had left the meeting.

In a statement, a spokesman for MBTA General Manager Daniel Grabauskas said: "The general manager looks forward to a robust discussion of cost-saving concepts and areas for potential efficiencies."

A Massport spokesman deferred all comment to Cohen on the issue.