I noticed an interesting initiative by Cambridge in the Boston Globe recently.
Cambridge is dependent on the T to prevent total gridlock in its rapidly expanding business areas. But getting the T to meet expanding commuter needs is a difficult lift, given the MBTA’s well-publicized operating and capital deficits.
So Cambridge is talking about levying a fee on development of new office and business space to fund the needed T improvements.
Newton & Needham businesses along the N2 corridor already pay for a shuttle for employees. I’ve always wondered if a T expansion might be a more efficient and equitable solution (currently, if you don’t work for someone on the corridor who funds the shuttle, you can’t use it. Wouldn’t it be better to have it available to all?).
What do you think?
This just in from Transportation for Massachusetts–another way to fund transit:
Regional Ballot Initiative Legislation
The Joint Committee on Revenue has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday 9/29 on a number of bills, including S1474/H2698, a bill to allow one or more cities and towns to fund transportation projects by a ballot vote. T4MA supports this bill, which would create new funding options for our cash-strapped transportation system. Passage of this bill would not solve transportation funding, but it can be a key part. This is a solution that works in many other states of all political complexions. Click here to access a fact sheet produced by MAPC for more information.
We encourage you to express your organization’s support for this legislation! Reply if you can help out. If you can come to the hearing in person, it’s Tuesday, September 29, 10:00 a.m. State House Hearing Room A-1. If you can submit written testimony, you can mail it to:
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Revenue, State House Room 213B, Boston, MA 02133
Representative Jay R. Kaufman, Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Revenue, State House Room 34, Boston, MA 02133