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.
Biz Leaders Have Transpo Funding on 2026 To-Do List
Business leaders in Massachusetts are starting to call attention to the impending expiration of federal transportation funding, and urging the Legislature to act this spring.
MBTA’s New Red Line Cars Hit By Factory Furloughs
The manufacturer under contract to build the MBTA’s new Red Line fleet will furlough nearly half its workforce in Massachusetts this spring as subway car shells from China remain detained at U.S. ports.
Healey Reelection Launch Puts Housing, MBTA Front and Center
The governor’s pursuit of a second term, with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on board once again, comes “with a commitment to improve the lives of all Massachusetts families, lower costs, and stand up to the Trump Administration’s harms,” Healey’s campaign said.
Mass. Transportation Plans Are Working – and Must Continue
Last year, state leaders set specific priorities and followed through. But as we begin 2026, we should not confuse incremental progress for long-term success.
Everett Inks Deal to Fund Commuter Rail Station
Everett’s new mayor is standing behind a deal his predecessor clinched just hours before leaving office, letting a pair of hotels and new transit infrastructure move forward.
Commuter Rail Fare Gates Go Live at South Station
Last week, commuter rail passengers started to have to tap or scan their train tickets to enter the track area at South Station, as the MBTA began a major change in fare collection operations.
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