The makers of self-driving cars promise a blissful future for car commuters. Soon, they claim, we’ll be able to zip along traffic-free roads, letting our cars do the driving while we read, watch Netflix, or text all we want. We’ll no longer rail at traffic jams, our air will be cleaner, and all those parking… Continue reading What are the Economic Impacts of Self-Driving Cars on Cities and Towns?
“Chronic underfunding of mass transportation leaves Massachusetts residents literally stranded,” said Alyssa Rayman-Read, Vice President and Director of CLF Massachusetts. “The Commonwealth can and should have a world-class transportation system that supports economic growth while reducing congestion and pollution. Without a clear revenue stream for transportation on the ballot, our elected officials must now come up with a comprehensive approach to funding.”
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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.
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… Continue reading MBTA Raises the Specter of Fare Hikes (Again)
… 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,”… Continue reading Baker launches commission to study transportation needs
Massachusetts has long been a leader in promoting clean, climate-friendly electric cars and trucks. And now, the Commonwealth is taking another leap forward in ending our reliance on gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. A recent order from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities gives the green light to Eversource, the region’s largest energy company, to invest… Continue reading Massachusetts Hits the Accelerator on Clean Transportation
There’s a consensus that self-driving cars are on the cusp of bringing about a transportation revolution that will address many environmental and societal challenges. However, it relies on a few critical assumptions about our future that are not guaranteed. The self-driving car industry paints a picture of blissful commutes, less pollution, and fewer accidents. But… Continue reading Bad Policy Could Crash the Achievements of Self-Driving Cars
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… Continue reading Green Line Extension Back on Track
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… Continue reading We’re Not Waiting for Trump’s Promised Infrastructure Investment
