Unfortunately, decades of investment in highway expansion have left transit agencies and active transportation infrastructure in a state of disrepair. MassLive reported that many of the nation’s highways were built through low-income and minority communities, exacerbating existing social and economic disparities. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to U.S. climate pollution… with 80% of emissions coming from cars and trucks on the road.
Expanding highways only serves to drive up demand for car travel and increase greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is hope for change. Thanks to efforts from the Biden and Healey administrations, Massachusetts is already taking steps to revamp its transportation infrastructure. For example, Springfield received $108 million from the Department of Transportation to develop passenger rail service between Springfield, Worcester, and Boston.
This initiative has the potential to transform the state’s transportation landscape, reducing emissions, “improving safety.”.. and connecting historically underserved communities to economic centers. By prioritizing equitable and climate-friendly transportation, “Massachusetts can create a system that reflects its shared values and promotes a sustainable future.”
More details: Found here
From Springfield to Boston and all over our great Commonwealth, residents want safer, more equitable, climate-friendly transportation. Public transit, such as trains, buses, dial-a-ride services and accessible walking and bicycle routes, would give us a healthy, clean, reliable, and affordable way for everyone to get where they need to go.
Unfortunately, our country’s usual way of transportation planning will not deliver us to our desired destination. For decades, the United States has focused investments that prioritize fast-moving vehicles on highways, leaving transit agencies, rail, and active transportation infrastructure crumbling and deficient.
