State wants to reduce Urban Ring in Somerville

The EOT has just filed a Notice of Project Change for the Urban Ring which revises the Preferred Local Alternative to run directly to Sullivan Square from Everett, down Route 99, completely eliminating Medford and mostly eliminating Assembly Square in Somerville, which now would get a backwards spur off of one of the bus routes but lose the direct connection to…

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Rep. Denise Provost on the Transportation Reform Act

The following letter was written in response to Gov. Deval Patrick signing the Transportation Reform Act.
Now that the Governor has signed the state’s new Transportation Reform Act into law, it’s time to report on the Act. This comprehensive Transportation Act was passed by the Massachusetts legislature on June 18, and signed Governor Patrick on June 26; most of its provisions become effective on November 1, 2009. So far, the Transportation Act’s reorganizational aspects have drawn all the attention. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is abolished, and all of the state’s other transportation agencies except the Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort) are placed under the authority of a new Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). MassDOT will be directed by a five member board, to be appointed by the Governor.

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MBTA threatens drastic cuts unless financial help comes

Boston Globe: "MBTA plans for drastic cuts in bus, rail service" The MBTA would halt all evening and weekend commuter rail service, eliminate six Green Line stops, discontinue lightly used bus routes, and lay off 805 employees if the agency does not get legislative help with its $160 million deficit, according to a state document. Boston Globe: "Plan to cut T…

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STEP joins environmental groups calling for 29-cent gas tax increase

Massachusetts needs a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation system. To achieve the transportation network we need, both reforms and new revenues are necessary. The undersigned organizations are united in support of a 29-cent gas tax increase as a centerpiece of a transportation reform and funding effort. Download the joint statement (PDF).

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Help fix our transportation mess: Support Gov. Patrick’s bill!

Act Now!

We urge you to contact your legislators to let them know you want them to fix the state’s transportation infrastructure and address the needed revenues to adequately fund public transportation across the state.
What can you do to voice your support now?
Call, email or write the chairs and members of the Joint Transportation Committee, the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees, and the Chairs of the Revenue Committees. (See contact information after the link below).
Go to the State House on Thursday, March 11th at 1 PM. to attend the Public Hearing on the Transportation Bill at the State House in Room I-A. Tell the Committee why it must pass the legislation and not reduce the gas tax increase the Governor has proposed.

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Gov. Patrick announces new transportation plan

Faced with a dysfunctional transportation system, the Governor announced a comprehensive plan to reorganize agencies, bring in more revenue (via a necessary hike in the gas tax), and cut waste. Learn more at the You Move Massachusetts site.
Somerville Journal: “Governor asks drivers for $8 a month, says transportation system ‘out of time'”

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MASSPIRG report highlights benefits of public transportation expansions

Vehicle travel on Massachusetts highways increased 57 percent between 1980 and 2007. And the number of miles driven per person has increased by 39 percent over that time. This and much more is in a new report by the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) analyzes the benefits of proposed and planned public transportation projects throughout Massachusetts, including the Green Line…

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Urban Ring recommendations

Boston Metro: "Urban Ring project is no urban legend" State transportation officials have unveiled their vision for Phase II of the ambitious Urban Ring project that would create rapid transit MBTA bus service. After 18 months of narrowing down route options, they have settled on their recommendation.

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