Today marks the beginning of Senate debate on the FY2017 budget. The House developed its budget last month. Below, we take a look at transportation-related items in the draft budget and amendments that have been filed by Senators. This blog will be updated as debate progresses.

There are 1167 amendments that the Senate will consider this week, before approving a budget, which a Conference Committee will refine before it is voted by both chambers and sent on to the Governor for consideration. 

On May 13, our coalition submitted a comment letter to the MassDOT Board and the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board with our perspective on the draft Capital Investment Plan.

Comments on the Draft FY2017-2021 CIP 

May 13, 2016

On behalf of Transportation for Massachusetts, a coalition of 58 member organizations dedicated to improving transportation across the Commonwealth, I am pleased to submit comments on the draft five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP). Our coalition’s staff and member organizations have participated in the public meetings over the past month and look forward to seeing the final approved CIP later this month. 

Transportation for Massachusetts, a statewide coalition that supports a modern, statewide transportation network, today announced that Kristina Egan, who has served as executive director since 2011, will be leaving the organization, following her appointment as the Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, effective July 17, 2016.

The Green Line Extension (GLX) vote on May 9 by the MassDOT Board and the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board was a milestone for this important project. Though there are still many remaining steps, including the need to fund the whole project to Route 16 and a complete community path extension, it appears that we are moving toward a responsible, funded plan for this legally mandated and essential transportation link. 

As published in the Medford Transcript

The Boston area is famous for its world-class medical facilities. But we don’t need a doctor to tell us that we have a clogged artery that’s affecting the health of the region.

It’s called I-93, and it’s congested with cars. Lots of them.

Much of the current focus on transportation policy is at MassDOT and the MBTA, with the consideration of the 5-year plan to invest in transportation projects. But this week, the House of Representatives will consider its Fiscal Year 2017 budget with many line items and amendments that will affect transportation across the state. (We will update this page as the week continues)

The MassDOT/MBTA draft Capital Investment Plan (CIP) is out for public comment, and your voice matters as Massachusetts decides its transportation spending priorities. 

The five-year draft Capital Investment Plan is a significant program for repairing and improving the transportation infrastructure of the Commonwealth. On March 16, the MBTA's Fiscal and Control Management Board and the MassDOT Board received a presentation describing the proposed plan, which will be released as a draft on April 11. Our coalition submits this letter as the CIP is considered over the coming weeks, with observations about the proposed plan, several questions, and a look ahead as we consider the long range transportation needs of the entire state. 

Transportation for Massachusetts, a statewide coalition of 58 member organizations working for a modern transportation network, applauds the Commuter Benefit provision in recent federal legislation that will ensure permanent parity for public transportation and bike commuters.

We are deeply disappointed by the Baker Administration’s decision to increase fares by nearly 10%. Raising prices won’t rebuild the MBTA. It will push over six million riders off transit next year, moving our region backwards. Governor Baker’s Control Board has made the choice to significantly increase fares, despite poor service and despite having adequate savings and state funding to close its budget gap.