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.
Labs, Housing Could Come Next at South Station
The second phase of the South Station air rights development will likely include life science space and multifamily housing, rather than a planned hotel.
T Will Keep Commuter Rail Service Beefed Up During Shutdown
The MBTA defied some riders’ pessimism to reopen its Orange Line subway line on schedule this morning, with service provided by a fleet of all-new trains.
T’s Budget Problems Make Safety Worse, Panel Told
MBTA officials for months have projected that a sizable operating budget gap – between $240 million and $421 million, depending on ridership – will erupt in fiscal year 2024, then grow worse.
DPU Chief on MBTA Safety Oversight: ‘We Need To Do More’
The head of the Department of Public Utilities mostly defended his agency’s approach to MBTA oversight, which drew criticism from federal investigators, while acknowledging Wednesday that DPU will “need to do more” to flex its muscle.
Peebles Kicks Off Back Bay Air Rights Review
One of the most complex recent air rights projects in Boston would bring a 300,000-square-foot life science tower to Back Bay along with 100 percent affordable housing and accessibility upgrades to the MBTA’s Hynes station.
Wu Still Worried About T as Shutdown Nears End
As the MBTA approaches the end of the monthlong shutdown of the Orange Line and prepares to reactivate the line, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Tuesday that the alternate service that’s been in place has gone “so well” but said she’s still concerned about the T moving ahead.
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