State level transportation agencies have been reformed and combined, but still carry some of the highest debt load of any transportation system in the country. In light of this, if elected what would your priorities be for improving the overall transportation system in Boston?
Mayoral Candidate Responses
Michael Flaherty
Exerting a greater leadership role for Boston in MBTA discussions would be a top priority as many Boston residents need the MBTA to remain affordable and accessible. A strong MBTA is also critical to our efforts to develop our economy and reduce pollution.
Increasing MBTA’s ridership also requires a greater investment in secure bike storage areas and developing walkable communities that deliberately place affordable housing near public transportation.
I would also invest in measures to relieve congestion and make it easier to get around the city, including the implementation of mobility corridors for the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods, an initiative that should be driven by ridership patterns and demographic data. The city should support these projects by better enforcing traffic regulations around these designated mobility corridors.
Thomas Menino
For a number of years, I have advocated for the upgrade of the “Indigo” Line through Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Dorchester and I am glad that this project is moving forward, in cooperation with the City and a number of community-based organizations planning development around the new stops. The T also needs to take another look at late night hours for people who work night shifts in manufacturing or the service industry. We should also continue our support for the Urban Ring as a means of bringing people to jobs.
At-Large City Council Candidate Responses
Felix Arroyo
Overall, I support the idea of ‘complete streets,’ which means revamping our streets, paths and railways to complement all modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling, access for the disabled, public transportation, and driving. I am particularly concerned about the MBTA crisis and the proposed fare hike. The T, by its own admission, is on the brink of financial disaster. And much of it has to do with an unfair debt load. To make T riders pay a fare increase when ridership is at an all-time high defies common sense, particularly if the goal is to reduce traffic congestion on our streets, improve air quality in our neighborhoods, and provide working people with an affordable transportation alternative. The Boston City Council can’t turn this around by itself, but can be an important and influential part of a wider organization, by encouraging T riders to speak out, and ensuring that our state legislators and governor hear and understand their needs.
John Connolly
We must increase our use of alternative and sustainable transportation. I have led the way on the City Council to bring a shared bike program to Boston and I will continue to fight to expand and connect our bike paths and bike lanes throughout the city. We also need to push for a rebirth for our aging public transportation system and encourage its use by making it easier for residents to take their bikes on buses and subway trains, and access the internet while underground. Finally, every citizen of every neighborhood of Boston must have equal access to all neighborhoods and I am particularly proud to have helped lead the fight to preserve service of the “JP Loop” bus.
Tomás Gonzalez
- I would demand a safer commute for riders by ridding the buses and trains of unruly and disrespectful behavior. I would also look to expand the surveillance of buses and trains.
- I would also advocate for the increase of evening services such as the “Night Owl”.
Tito Jackson
Public Transportation is the most effective, green and cost efficient way to to move people around in a well developed urban center like Boston. The MBTA must look at ways to meet the high need, maintenance and service issues that have plagued the system especially in areas like Jamaica Plain. I would work with the T Riders Union and other advocacy organization to hold the MBTA accountable for meeting the needs of all the riders. The MBTA can implement efficiencies and services to meet the needs of the most densely populated areas and highest ridership to continue to make the MBTA the most viable option for transportation in Boston.
Andrew Kenneally
My number one priority would be to work closely with the various state transit authorities to develop a more solvent system that will be able to sustain current levels of service. The immediate goal of any member of city government at this juncture should be to ensure that public transit services are not cut, as this would have a deleterious impact on residents who rely on public transit as an environmentally-friendly and affordable means of transportation. One possible measure that I would look to implement would be the adoption of a prorated fare system similar to that used by the Washington, D.C. Metro.
Steve Murphy
The Boston City Council has no role in the state’s transportation issues other than that we have a bully pulpit to speak on it. That said I support the Governors Transportation Reform Bill. I think there should be an increase in the gas tax. Again, the city council has no role in this issue but I support Governor Patrick in his efforts. It is fair to have the users paying for the service; it is not fair to have property owners overburdened with taxes.
Ayanna Pressley
First and foremost, public transportation in Boston must be preserved and fully supported. But Bostonians should not be expected to solely shoulder the burden of the necessary reform of the state’s overall transportation system. Boston is the economic engine which drives this state and the public transportation system is an essential ingredient for our economic success. As such, my priority would be supporting the efforts of Boston’s State House delegation while also reaching out to our Congressional Delegation. Investing in our transportation infrastructure requires a coordinated effort involving municipal, state and federal government and I believe my background will allow me to take a leading role in that effort.
