Let's Fix Our Transportation Crisis
Massachusetts residents are facing a transportation crisis. Our roads are congested and potholed, our transit systems are underfunded, and emissions and air pollution from transportation are rising. The status quo is inequitable and inefficient, with low-income workers facing some of the toughest commutes, and communities of color bearing a higher burden from tailpipe pollution. Decades of neglect have resulted in a transportation system that isn't working well for anyone. Thank you for your help to fix it!
T4MA’s package of strategic initiatives encourages policymakers to act with a sense of urgency on the problems residents face everyday. On this page, learn how legislators can fix this crisis by adopting better policies this legislative session.
Massachusetts Roads, Bridges and Transit Statewide Are in Poor Condition.
While the cost of living and inflation increases, the gas tax has increased just 14% since 1991. The gas tax is a stable, reliable, and constitutionally protected funding source that will help fix your transportation problems.
Policy: Increase the State Gas Tax by 25¢ / Gallon
The new revenue sourced from gas tax would be used to:
- Improve road and bridge maintenance statewide
- Increase service and capacity on MBTA and RTA services
- Increase Chapter 90 funding to repair and maintain local roads
Complementary policies: - Raise the state's Earned Income Tax Credit to protect low-income workers from fuel price increases
- Increase and dedicate funding for Regional Transit Authorities
- Roll-back the MBTA's 2019 fare increase, pilot "fair free" RTAs, and fund low-income transit statewide
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Transportation Is a Major Source of Climate and Air Pollution.
Transportation is the largest source of green house gas (GHG) emissions in Massachusetts, accounting for more than 40% of GHGs. Tailpipe exhaust includes to pollutants that cause asthma and respiratory disease that disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color.
Policy: Advance and Adopt a Robust and Equitable Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI)
The new revenue sourced from a market-based program capping emissions from transportation would fund cleaner transportation options, including:
- Climate/weather resiliency projects
- Enhanced transit, walking and biking options statewide
- Creating a "Mass Save for Vehicles" program to provide rebates and incentives for cleaner vehicles
Complementary policies: - Dedicate TCI funds to investments that prioritize communities underserved by transit and overburdened by air pollution
- Include rebates or credits for low-income households
- Commit TCI funds to MBTA and RTAs
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Cities and Towns Do Not Have Enough Tools to Fund Local Projects.
Many cities across the country use ballot initiatives as a core way to raise funds to invest in transportation. Currently Massachusetts law does not allow for this. The state does have a law to allow for in real-estate value to be tied to transportation investments, but this law should be expanded so that developers and property owners can contribute to improvements.
Policy: Pass Regional Ballot Initiatives (RBIs) and Value Capture
Cities, towns and regions would have more control over the investment in transportation projects that may not otherwise be possible
- Give voters more say in transportation projects
- Fund local and regional projects statewide
Complementary Policy: - Fund a progressive state match that builds in racial and socioeconomic equity as criteria for the level of state funding provided to communities that pass RBIs
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Massachusetts Has the Nation's Worst Traffic Congestion.
Ranked #1 in congestion, Greater Boston residents spent 164 hours, and wasted $2,100 sitting in traffic last year. What would you do with that time and money back? Of the country's ten most populous metropolitan areas, Greater Boston is the only one that does not use time-of-day pricing to manage congestion on its tolled roads. Congestion impacts every region in the state, frustrates commuters, and drives up the cost of doing business.
Policy: Congestion Pricing on Highways Within Route 128
Congestion pricing, otherwise known as "Smarter Tolling" would:
- Significantly reduce congestion with a proven method
- Fund regional rail
- Fund enhanced regional and local bus service
Complementary Policies: - Provide low-income drivers discounts for full exemptions from tolling costs
- Offer multi-modal transportation credits that can be used for tolls, transit fares, cycling, etc.
- Support a low-income fare program on the commuter rail to further enable alternatives to driving during peak hours
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80+ Million Annual Uber/Lyft Trips Are Clogging Up Roads.
Our transportation policies are not keeping up with changes in transportation technology. Updating policies towards Uber and Lyft regulations will help reduce traffic congestion, while increasing funding for transportation investments.
Policy: Enact 6.25% Fee on Uber/Lyft Trips, with a Discount for Shared Rides
This policy would:
- Increase more shared trips
- Decrease traffic congestion
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Fund local and state transportation projects
Complementary Policy: - Use the proceeds of an updated fee on Uber/Lyft trips to fill critical gaps in public transportation that leave low-income workers and others with few options except for Uber/Lyft trips
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T4MA's Full Reports
