Transportation Agenda

Current Campaigns

Keep the T on Track

The MBTA’s unsustainable $8 billion debt load combined with the state’s slow sales-tax revenue has left the T in a downward spiral in which the authority cannot generate the revenue necessary to achieve a state of good repair, meaning that the MBTA cannot improve service quality, retain and attract riders, and increase revenue over time. Read more.

Transit Across the Commonwealth

Massachusetts has 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), which provide public transportation service in 231 Massachusetts cities and towns outside of the MBTA district. Unfortunately, the RTAs are chronically under-funded and have seen a decrease in ridership as funding has not kept pace with the rate of inflation and other costs. Read more.

Eye on the T

Transit authorities like the MBTA need to have open and transparent decision-making so they can be held accountable to the public. Historically, the T has been slow to move on environmental and service improvements. While the T’s hands are often tied when it comes to their finances, the authority can do numerous things to improve fare equity, service quality, and address customer input. Read more.

Transit Expansion

Expanding public transportation is critical to improving our overall quality of life. Read more.

Overview

From the Berkshires to Cape Cod, affordable and reliable public transportation that grows with our transportation needs is key to the quality of life and economy in Massachusetts. Decreased traffic congestion and air pollution, reduced oil consumption, enhanced mobility choices and economic growth, are all benefits of mass transit.

To achieve these goals MASSPIRG conducts many tactics and works in numerous coalitions. As a member of the Massachusetts Transportation Investment Coalition, MASSPIRG works with planning organizations, businesses interests, construction companies, labor, and other advocacy groups to address the state’s $15 - $19 billion funding gap over the next twenty years. As a part of the MBTA Rider Oversight Committee, MASSPIRG provides recommendations to improve the T’s service and experience for riders. And as a group involved with the On the Move coalition, MASSPIRG works with community focused organizations on transit issues affecting the Greater Boston area.

74% of commuters drive to work alone in Massachusetts, while only 10% take public transit.

News

Transportation Bond Bill Passes Legislature 4/08/2008

First-ever Accounting of Oil and CO2 Savings from Public Transit 3/20/2008

Newsroom

Bumpy road ahead for MBTA, study says 10/17/2007 The Boston Globe

Study: T fares could rise sharply without state help 10/17/2007 Boston Now

Millions in MBTA debt could mean more hikes 10/17/2007 Boston Herald

Bill would put $2.9B in T debt on state’s tab 6/7/2007 Boston Herald

Reports

A Better Way to Go 3/20/2008

Derailed By Debt: 10/16/2007

Give a Hoot: Endangered Night Owl Service Indicates Threatened Regional Transportation System 3/10/2005

More Reports

Highlight

Download MASSPIRG's Transportation Agenda brochure.

Resources

While Massachusetts suffers from some of the worst traffic congestion, across the Commonwealth people are getting out of their cars and finding an alternative way to get around. From increased bicycle commuting to ride sharing programs, some Bay Staters are rethinking how to commute to work, run errands, or just enjoy a mode of transportation that is cheaper, healthier, and better for our environment. Check out these links to other organizations promoting alternative transportation:

Green Streets http://www.gogreenstreets.org/
Walk Boston http://www.walkboston.org/
Mass Bike http://www.massbike.org/
Mass Commute http://www.masscommute.com/
Livable Streets http://www.livablestreets.info/
Massachusetts Carpool Center http://www.erideshare.com/carpool.php?dstate=MA
Bikes Not Bombs http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/

ISSUES