Transportation News

Through the end of 2010, stimulus investments in public transportation have created almost twice as many jobs per dollar as highway spending – and the advantage is growing.

Stimulus money invested in public transportation projects created twice as many jobs as highway projects, according to a new report released today by MASSPIRG, in conjunction with the Center for Neighborhood Technology and Smart Growth America

A new high speed rail network will put people to work, clean our air, cut our energy consumption, facilitate travel and assist in the resurgence of American manufacturing.

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.

A new report released today by MASSPIRG Education Fund and Smart Growth America showed that in spending the money apportioned to it under President Obama’s stimulus bill, Massachusetts made better progress than most other states towards repairing roads and bridges and investing in public transportation, in addition to bike and pedestrian options.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) announced fare increases and service cuts today, at a public meeting of the MBTA Board of Directors. The fare increases and service cuts are in response to the $160 million budget shortfall the MBTA expects to face in FY10.

Boston—Governor Patrick announced plans Monday to use approximately $54 million in federal economic stimulus funds to transform existing bus service from Mattapan to Dudley Square into bus rapid transit with dedicated bus lanes, longer buses, and more frequent service running down the middle of Blue Hill Avenue. The Executive Office of Transportation also plans to extend the existing Silver Line on Washington Street to South Station via a dedicated bus lane on Essex Street that will replace on-street parking spaces.

Boston—With massive MBTA fare hikes and service cuts proposed for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), public transit advocates rallied in front of the State House to highlight the need for increased investments in public transportation.

BOSTON—Advocates for public transit, bicycle, and walkable communities applaud Governor Patrick’s transportation plan, which includes funding to stabilize the MBTA, support for regional transit authorities, initiatives to promote biking and walking, and incentives for consumers to purchase fuel efficient vehicles.

As state Departments of Transportation across the country submit their infrastructure wish-lists to be included in the Economic Recover Act, public transportation advocates are worried that the bill will be full of highway expansions that run counter to the promise of a “green recovery.”

Responding to record-high gas prices and the rising use of public transportation, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed HR 6052, the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act, by a vote of 322 to 98, which authorizes 1.7 billion dollars to transit agencies across America to expand services and reduce fares.

Without sufficient alternatives to driving, American families spent their entire economic stimulus check on high-priced gas. According to new analysis from the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG), since President Bush signed the tax rebates into law on February 13th, the average household has spent over $1500 filling their tanks. Gas costs were higher than average in areas without robust public transportation.

The state legislature passed transportation bond legislation on Tuesday, including $700 million dedicated to public transportation improvements and expansions.

Boston—A transportation bond bill filed today by Governor Patrick includes approximately $800 million in bond authorization for numerous public transportation projects, with the largest chunk dedicated to funding the full cost of the Green Line extension from Lechmere to Medford, earmarked at $600 million.

Eastern Massachusetts drivers wasted 93 million hours of additional time on the roads (12th worst in the nation), and 62.5 million gallons of additional gas as a result of traffic congestion (13th worst in the nation) in 2005. This additional wasted time and fuel costs drivers an equivalent of $1.8 billion (12th worst in the nation), according to the federally sponsored Urban Mobility Report released today by the Texas Transportation Institute. The findings underscore the need for increased public transportation usage in the region.