A City On The Move
Banker & Tradesman’s coverage of transit issues throughout the region, including debates over the merits of dedicated bus lanes, advocacy for the Allston interchange and the ongoing saga of the Green Line Extension.
Road, Rail, Housing Funds Packed Into New Transportation Law
Gov. Maura Healey signed a transportation bill Thursday that delivers $300 million in annual aid for municipal road and bridge work while authorizing another $1.1 billion in borrowing and creating $3.2 billion in new flexibility to borrow for projects approved in 2022.
MBTA Eyes Another Spending Boost as ‘Austerity’ Approach Fades
Under pressure from the Baker administration, the T slashed spending only to cause huge safety problems. With that crisis behind it, the T and Beacon Hill are taking a different approach to transit resources.
Play to Our Strengths for Economic Growth
Rather than chasing every new trend, Massachusetts state government should continue investing in the foundations that drive our prosperity.
MBTA Investments Again Win Big in $1.56B Competition for Surtax Funds
House and Senate negotiators agreed Tuesday on a $1.56 billion spending package that strikes a middle ground on the distribution of income surtax funds for education and transportation.
World Cup Pushing T to Modernize Rider Navigation
The expected flood of international visitors unfamiliar with its system is accelerating the T’s efforts to make the network easier to navigate for everyone.
It’s Time for Mass. to Act on E-Bikes
E-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices are here to stay, so Massachusetts law must evolve to regulate them effectively.
Letter to the Editor: Federal I-90 Grant Deserves Celebration
“It is a rare occasion to win a $335 million grant, but it is appropriate for this project and this special moment. Because of the hard work over the past few years, this region now stands to benefit with safer transportation infrastructure, better access to transit, and the new economic development that will improve Greater Boston for decades to come.”
— Tom Ryan, senior advisor, A Better City
MBTA Lays Out Vision for New Bus Rapid Transit in Everett
“We are beyond excited to be advancing plans to extend Silver Line service between Chelsea, Everett and Sullivan Square in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood. This extension of service is exactly what we are talking about when we say the administration is prioritizing public transportation investments which fill gaps in our system, increase access for residents in underserved communities and make our transportation network more equitable.”
— Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt
Lawmakers Rule Out Tax Hikes to Pay for Guv's Proposals
The governor pledged to “increase funding for local roads and bridges to record levels, with special investments dedicated to rural communities,” and convene a task force to rethink long-term transportation financing questions “in the clean energy era,” a potential nod to expectations that gas tax revenue that in part pays for road maintenance will dry up as electric vehicle usage increases.
— Banker & Tradesman Managing Editor James Sanna
T Hiring Blitz Pays Off, 'Sets New Bar'
“The agency has suffered from hiring and retention struggles, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic spread labor challenges across sectors. And the consequences have been potent: staffing shortages have played a major role in safety lapses and unreliable service.”
— Chris Lisinski, State House News Service
The Transformational Opportunity in Allston
“By realigning the elevated highway lanes, the state and city of Boston can open up 40 acres of developable land for new housing – 20 percent of which will be affordable – and commerce. This area would then supported by a new transportation hub on the Worcester- Framingham commuter rail line called West Station that also allows for seamless bus and shuttle connections throughout Greater Boston. This is truly a once-in-a-generation chance to transform a structurally-deficient highway into a vibrant transit-orientated development that benefits travelers throughout Greater Boston.”
— Rick Dimino, CEO, A Better City