Yesterday, the Patrick Administration unveiled a bold vision for the future of transportation in the Commonwealth. “The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan” calls for $1.02 billion in new revenue per year on average for the next ten years, and is expected to kick off a serious conversation about our transportation system over the next few months. The Worcester Food & Active Living Policy Council recognizes the importance of a modern transportation system that really takes into account public transportation and walking and biking accommodations These are so important to the health of our communities, residents and environment.
Economic growth and opportunity depend upon investment in transportation that serves residents across the Commonwealth. As the Governor said yesterday, “If we are serious about improving our transportation system for a generation, then we have to be willing to make the necessary investments. We must invest in transportation, not for the sake of transportation itself, but for the jobs and economic opportunity it creates.”
The consequences of inaction are grave. The Massachusetts transportation system is struggling under the unsustainable burden of billions of dollars of debt and deferred maintenance. If we do not act, we will be faced with further deterioration of our transportation system, increased congestion, and service cuts and drastic fare hikes on public transportation.
Governor Patrick laid out a menu of tax and fee possibilities, but will go into more detail on his preference in this coming Wednesday’s State of the Commonwealth address and the proposed budget he will submit to lawmakers next week. Among the menu options were a hike in the gas tax; increased tolls; and stiffer fees on vehicles that emit more pollution or are driven farther.
Some highlights from the report:
• The report identifies a 10-year combined $684 million operating deficit facing MassDOT, the MBTA and Regional Transit authorities if new investments aren’t made.
• Over 10 years, the Governor’s proposal would double the investments we’re making in our transportation system, including investments in RTAs, increased funding to cities and towns, maintenance priorities on the MBTA and dedicated funding to bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
• The report highlight unfunded projects in every corner of the commonwealth from the Berkshires to the Cape, and notes that the gas tax, a major source of transportation funding, is currently worth $0.12.
Now is the time for you to make your voice heard—here’s what you can do to support critical transportation investments:
1. Email your legislators using this easy-to-use template.
2. Tell Governor Patrick that you support his plan to invest in our transportation system.
3. Submit a letter to the editor or call into talk radio.
4. Keep the conversation going on social media:Visit us on Facebook, T4MA on Facebook, and T4MA on Twitter.
5. Stay in the loop with Transportation for MA: receive invitations to events, action alerts, and more.
