By Lana Lagomarsini
News Staff

One Bostonian interested in the workings of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will soon get the opportunity to experience it first-hand.

The winner of the ‘General Manager for a Day’ contest, announced last week on the MBTA website, will spend the day touring and observing the repair shops and control systems used for the T, commuter rails and buses around the city.

The contest is a good way for the MBTA to connect to the community and students interested in learning more about the system, said Gladys McKie, lecturer for the School of Journalism.

“[The contest] probably is a PR move, but its not a bad one, anything to get your name out is not a bad thing,” McKie said.

The winner will also join MBTA General Manager Rich Davey for breakfast and spend time with workers from the engineering and maintenance departments.

Applicants need to submit a 150-word essay by e-mail or mail to the MBTA explaining why they would be a good candidate for the position.

“With my major, I would love it,” said James McCloud, a junior civil engineering major. “Just because of civil engineering and transportation, I would love to see all the ins and outs of [the MBTA], so yeah I would apply for it.”

The winning applicant has the opportunity to see the workings of the entire system and address successes and challenges facing the MBTA, according to the website.

“I think it would be a little pointless to be deemed the general manager of the MBTA for the day,” said Jennifer Lane, a senior communication studies major.

Although the system is run well, Lane said, she would want to look into helping the MBTA install more advanced systems to tell riders the location of the train they are waiting for, including time estimates on when the train should arrive in the station.

The deadline for applicants is Jan. 31, and the winner will visit the MBTA Friday, Feb. 4. The MBTA did not respond to numerous calls for comment.