The exciting frontier of transportation planning is in information technology: car sharing, ride sharing, on-demand shuttles. We can’t expect public transportation agencies to lead in creating these evolving business models. We need to experiment.
Transportation
accessibility, bike paths, masspike, mbta, ride sharing, rmv, roads and traffic, rules of the road, statewide transportation funding
Governor’s MBTA Fix
The Governor has accepted political responsibility for fixing the MBTA and has asked the legislature for a set of tools. While there are some elements I cannot support in the Governor’s bill, most notably the reduction in contributions into the Transportation Fund, we should be giving him as much as we can of what he has asked for.
MBTA Customer Appreciation Day: Friday, April 24
A reminder that you can ride the T for free tomorrow, Friday, April 24, and take advantage of purchasing 15% discounted weekly and monthly passes. Also, 16 MBTA partners are offering special one-day offers to customers that show their CharlieCard. The details may be found in this link.
Accountability for the MBTA
The central recommendation of the Governor’s MBTA task force was greater accountability for the MBTA. I agree — the management team needs direct accountability to the Governor. That accountability will give the team the strength it needs to sharpen its focus and make change happen.
Governor’s Special Panel Reports on the Problems of the MBTA
In response to the significant service disruptions experienced across the MBTA system during the winter of 2015, Governor Baker convened a special panel to review the management and operations of the MBTA. The panel has issued a 50 page report of findings. Here are the key findings of the panel.
Proposed Project: Massachusetts Ave Bridge over Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay Replacement
MassDOT hosted an informational meeting about the proposed Mass. Ave, – Comm. Ave. bridge replacement project. This post includes a brief description of the proposed project, which will include bicycle lanes and will be constructed in summer 2016.