Under an agreement with the Conservation Law Foundation, Massport is obligated to increase the number of Logan passengers who arrive in some form of high-occupancy vehicle to 40 percent by 2027. The people-mover proposal is unrelated to that agreement, but CLF vice president Rafael Mares said if enacted, it could help Logan meet or even exceed that goal.
2018
2018
MBTA Raises the Specter of Fare Hikes (Again)
The MBTA is crying wolf… again, predicting a deficit of $111 million in its next fiscal budget. The potential solution? Raise fares on riders, again. Governor Baker seems to agree, stating on Valentine’s Day that the MBTA should be discussing a fare increase. I’m not sure that was the best way to spread the love, especially to…
2018
Baker launches commission to study transportation needs
… Rafael Mares, a climate and transit advocate with the Conservation Law Foundation, celebrated the launch of the commission. But it will only be valuable if it “ends up in a blueprint, a vision and a plan for the Commonwealth that can actually be implemented,” including funding sources, he said. “Otherwise, we’re spinning our wheels,”…
2017
Green Line Extension Back on Track
CLF has been steadfast in our push for the Green Line extension (GLX), but making it a reality has been a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that threatened to derail this critical public transportation project before it could get off the ground. However, last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) took a significant…
2017
CLF Applauds New Regional Transportation Climate Initiative
Phelps Turner, staff attorney, Conservation Law Foundation, said: “Transportation is the single largest source of climate-disrupting emissions that pollute our air and threaten our health. And with a federal government that refuses to act on climate change, it’s more critical than ever that local leaders step up. Today’s announcement demonstrates a firm commitment to expanding the proven RGGI model and ensuring that the future of transportation is safe, affordable and clean.”
2017
We’re Not Waiting for Trump’s Promised Infrastructure Investment
If there was one issue where candidate Donald Trump seemed to offer a promise that both sides of the aisle could get behind, it was his vow to spend $1 trillion on public works over the next decade. It would be an investment, he said, in repairing and upgrading the nation’s transportation systems. Unlike the…
2017
Road Work Ahead? Proposed Expansions of the Maine Turnpike Should Proceed with Caution
Traffic in the greater Portland area is getting worse, so the Maine Turnpike Authority wants to add lanes and build a new highway connector. But is this really the best solution to the problem?
2017
Open Letter to New MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez
An open letter to new MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez on his first day. Here is a short list of opportunities for improvements within Boston’s public transit system.
2017
Massport Passthrough Study Part of Multi-pronged Agreement to Boost Public Transit and Cut Air Pollution
A landmark agreement between CLF and Massport aims to improve public transit access while cutting air and carbon pollution. One part of the multi-pronged agreement will study whether or not a fee on drop-offs and pick-ups at the airport can help ease growing traffic congestion there.