The Board of MassDOT will soon embark on a critical negotiation with Harvard University about the scope and funding for the I-90 Allston Interchange Project. I hope that the Board will be able to persuade Harvard to contribute enough to support bold new transit options.
Author Archives: Will Brownsberger
Sexual Harassment in the Senate
The men who recently came forward to the Globe to talk about sexual assaults by the Senate President’s husband have exposed some gaping holes in the Senate’s sexual harassment policies.
A Transit Disappointment
MassDOT has formally revealed its intention to delay construction of the new West Station in Allston, frustrating hopes for the rapid introduction of additional commuting options from congested Allston, Brighton and Brookline and further lowering expectations for transformational new urban rail service.
Dedicating Asphalt to Bus Lanes
The MBTA’s recent call to create more dedicated bus lanes reflects a fundamental reality: in many congested road segments, a large share of the people are hidden away in buses, many of them standing. Where the data prove high bus ridership, it is common sense to shift road resources towards the buses.
Talking to the Trump Administration
As the Trump administration puts people in place, federal agencies are changing in predictable ways.
Making buses move through traffic faster
The MBTA has working for several years on “transit signal priority”, which utilizes GPS technology to help buses and surface light rail improve reliability and reduce delays. Now that the system is being tested, I’m hopeful that its rollout can include crowded bus routes in my district, particularly the 71 (Watertown) and 73 (Waverley) buses.