Despite a proud history of innovation, we’ve resigned ourselves to complacency, While other cities and countries tackle transportation challenges with courage and a long-term vision, Boston and the Metro Boston region are losing their edge.
Jarred Johnson
Posted inOpinion
Let’s start the conversation about congestion pricing
We must remember the $3.2 billion a year lost by Boston-area drivers to congestion.
Posted inOpinion
Worrisome lack of progress at transportation task force
This pivotal moment cannot be squandered on yet another commission presenting policymakers with “transportation revenue options” or a mere “tool kit.” We know the available options, backed by countless reports outlining various revenue sources.
Posted inOpinion
Troubling signs at Healey’s transportation funding task force
Virtually every piece of news since the launch has been more disappointing than the last. The commission may not even issue any recommendations and important tools (some might call them essential) are reportedly being taken off the table.
Posted inOpinion
Pause the search for a new GM at the MBTA
THE SEARCH for a new MBTA general manager and all the hype around it is at best a distraction and, at worst, obscures the difficult work needed to turn around the system. Riders, and especially low-income riders, are bearing the brunt of a system in free fall and their safety and the restoration of pre-pandemic […]
Posted inOpinion
MBTA’s Widett plans don’t make sense
THE MBTA’S recent announcement of a $155 million land purchase at Widett Circle is an opportunity for the agency to consolidate its wide footprint of bus and rail facilities in central Boston, reducing the amount of valuable land used for these purposes. Yet the agency is intent on doing the opposite. As StreetsblogMass pointed out, […]
Posted inOpinion
The Orange Line roadmap for commuter rail
DURING THE ORANGE LINE shutdown, the commuter rail network proved its tremendous value to Greater Boston’s transit system. It also showed exciting potential for the future. Last month, the MBTA added additional trains to serve Forest Hills, Hyde Park, and Oak Grove; increased its marketing of commuter rail; and waived fares for riders in Boston […]
Posted inTransportation
A guide for getting through the MBTA shutdowns
WELL, THAT was the week that was. No, we aren’t referring to the 1960s irreverent TV satirical review of the news. We’re talking about the week when MBTA leaders decided to shut down there transit system’s second busiest subway line in order to undertake an accelerated 30-day repair program, the week when the T also […]
Posted inOpinion
MBTA is missing big opportunity with commuter rail
A FEW WEEKS AGO I, along with hundreds of others gathered at the opening of the first phase of the Green Line extension, felt a huge sense of pride seeing the first major expansion to the rapid transit network since the 1980s. There were loud cheers as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley both […]
Posted inOpinion
Why can’t Logan get bus pickup right?
MY LAST THREE FLIGHTS into Logan Airport have all ended the same way: with disappointment. It has become painfully clear that Massport, a state agency claiming to be green and committed to sustainability, can’t be bothered to make sure airport curbs function safely and conveniently for bus and shuttle riders. Air travel is recovering from […]