MBTA Gives Frank Oglesby a ‘Golden Microphone’

The recently retired 'Voice of the MBTA' went out in style on Monday.

frank oglesby1

PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI / COURTESY OF METRO BOSTON

Frank Oglesby, the “Voice of the MBTA,” went out in style on Monday.

The voice actor, transit official and source of T announcements for more than two decades addressed the MBTA’s oversight board Monday afternoon, saying goodbye with the deep bass and measured cadence that are his trademark. He retired last month.

“Here’s an announcement: This is the voice of the MBTA signing off,” he said. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure to contribute to delivering the best service possible every day for our riders. Thank you for the opportunity and, as always, thank you for riding the T.”

Oglesby, who until July also worked as deputy director of paratransit contract operations, told Boston in July he plans to pursue a career in voice acting. It’s yet to be decided whether he will continue voicing T announcements in retirement, but T spokesman Joe Pesaturo says acting General Manager Brian Shortsleeve “has indicated that he’d like to find a way to keep Frank’s familiar voice on the MBTA system.”

Either way, Oglesby will be taking home a fitting token of appreciation. As a parting gift, the T presented him with a plaque sporting a “golden microphone.”