Massachusetts House Speaker Backs Gov. Charlie Baker on Transit Board

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has won a key ally in his fight to win passage of a bill overhauling the MBTA.

Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo announced Wednesday that he supports creation of a financial control board to oversee the troubled Boston-area transit system for the next several years.

The five-member board is among the cornerstones of the Republican governor's plan for a long-term fix of the T after winter breakdowns exposed managerial weaknesses and maintenance backlogs.

DeLeo had not previously taken a position on the proposed control board, though the House did vote last month to temporarily exempt the MBTA from the restraints of the state's anti-privatization law, another key element of Baker's plan.

DeLeo's position could set up a showdown with Senate Democratic leaders, who oppose the control board.