Federal,
State, and Local Officials Speak at Site of Green Line Expansion
Boston—A new report released today by the
Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) says the Commonwealth’s
public transportation system dramatically reduces traffic congestion, oil consumption
and global warming emissions. In order
to extend these positive trends, the groundbreaking report urges completion of
the planned Green Line extension to Somerville
and Medford.
The MASSPIRG report,
entitled A
Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century Transportation
Challenges with Modern Public Transit, was released at a press conference at the
Lechmere MBTA stop with Congressman Michael Capuano, State Transportation
Secretary Bernard Cohen, Somerville
state Senator Patricia Jehlen, and Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.
“The benefits from
public transit help all Americans, not just riders,” said author of the report and MASSPIRG Policy
Analyst Dr. Phineas Baxandall. “Investing
in expanded public transit, like the Green Line extension, not only helps
residents of SomervilleMedford, it also benefits the Commonwealth,
and our nation, as a whole.” and
According to the report, which examined official government
data, Boston’s
existing metro-area transit system:
- Saved
154 million gallons of oil in 2006, which translated into $403 million in
savings for the economy.
- Saved
21 million hours of traffic delay for commuters in 2006.
- Reduced
carbon emissions by 1.2 million metric tons in 2006, the equivalent of
taking 225,000 cars off the road.
Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen
pointed to the state’s commitment to advance new transit projects, especially
the Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford, as recognition
of the benefits public transportation has to the Commonwealth.
“Extending the Green Line past Lechmere
underscores the Patrick administration's commitment to a strong public
transportation infrastructure,” said Cohen.
“Improving public transportation will help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, reduce congestion, and encourage responsible economic development.”
Funding for the Green Line extension will come from a
combination of state and federal dollars. As a leader in the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, Massachusetts Congressman Michael Capuano
understands the important role the federal government plays in funding public
transportation.
“The Green Line extension will greatly improve our public
transportation network, increase access to employment and bring important
environmental benefits. While in the Congress, I've worked to increase our
investment in transit and will continue advocating for federal dollars,"
stated Congressman Capuano.
Bond legislation
filed by Governor Patrick at the start of the year, which includes state
funding for the Green Line extension and other public transit improvement and
expansion projects, is making its way through the state legislature.
“We've worked hard to build legislative support for the Green Line
extension, and appreciate the commitment from Governor Patrick and Secretary
Cohen,” said state Senator Patricia Jehlen from Somerville. “MASSPIRG's report further
highlights the benefits of public transportation, and makes the case for why
the Green Line is a smart investment. New transportation options for Medford and Somerville
will be an important benefit to my district and to the state. Reducing
our climate footprint, improving air quality, relieving traffic congestion, and
offering people a more affordable way to get around, are all reasons why more
transit makes sense.”
For Somerville, new light rail service will be a
great improvement.
“The Green Line extension
through Somerville offers immediate
transportation, development and environmental benefits not just for Somerville but for the
entire metro area,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “Somerville is the most densely populated city in New England, but it is currently underserved by regional
transit options. The Green Line Extension is essential to our goal of reducing
traffic congestion, improving our quality of life and building a strong,
sustainable local economy. We will continue to work closely with the
state to ensure that this vital project remains on track for completion by
2014.”
Around
the country transit saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil each year, prevents 541
million hours of traffic delay, which is the equivalent to more than 61,700
people sitting in traffic for an entire year. The nation’s transit system also
reduces global warming, 26 million tons of CO2 in 2006. And demand for public
transportation is booming nationally, with transit trips far outpacing the
growth of auto miles or population since 1995.
Top 10 Metropolitan Areas in Terms of Gallons of Gasoline
Saved and Avoided Gasoline Expenditures from Transit Service
Top 10 States – Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Reductions from Public Transit
Read report:
A-Better-Way-to-Go-vMAP1.pdf