Transportation Agenda In The News

The recently released independent report on the state of the MBTA commissioned this summer by Governor Patrick was sobering, but it certainly wasn’t surprising.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) canceled their proposals to raise fares and cut service, along with public workshops and a hearing scheduled to vet those proposals.

MassPIRG: Bay State gets an A- for stimulus spending on transportation projects

Starts and Stops

Our transportation system is the lifeblood of the Bay State economy, not to mention a huge factor impacting our environment and quality of life. If we can't get employees to work on time and safely move goods and services, we're in trouble. And this is exactly the problem we're moving toward today.

There’s a lot of talk right now about paying for our transportation system. The announcement that Pike tolls will be increased has spurred debate over tolling, the state gas tax, and how to equitably pay for debt racked up by the Big Dig. But what’s left out of this conversation is how badly our state needs more transportation investments.

A consumer advocacy group has called for a statewide expansion of public transportation, including completion of the proposed rail links between Boston, SouthCoast and Cape Cod.

Thousands of commuters pouring into Massachusetts every morning from southern New Hampshire only serve to heighten the need for investment in public transportation projects, according to a new study that calls for commuter-rail service to be extended from Lowell to Nashua.

A new report released by the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) says the best way to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil and improve economy is to invest in better public transportation infrastructure.

As gas prices continue to rise, a report released yesterday calls for the massive expansion of public transportation across the state, especially to areas where commuters are forced to drive.

THE SURGE in gasoline prices has an unintended benefit in the Boston area: More people are taking the MBTA, saving money for themselves and reducing air pollution and highway congestion.

Last week, Gov. Deval Patrick approved $700 million for public transportation projects, with the lion’s share dedicated to the Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford.

The MBTA raised $70 million last year by increasing fares on buses, trains, and subways. But it will not be enough money to prevent an estimated $75 million deficit in the spending plan for the budget year that begins in July.

Cambridge - In early December, the Federal Transit and Highway Administrations rejected Massachusetts’ Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. Anticipated federal dollars slated for the Green Line expansion and other transit and roadway improvement projects will not be forthcoming until the state can prove it has put up the money to match these federal funds.