Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

There are many transportation issues facing the District, whether you're trying to get to work, school, church, grocery shopping, or just to visit friends. If you're walking, biking, driving or taking public transportation, you have no doubt faced some frustration when it comes to our transportation system.

I view transportation as one of the most important issues facing the District because a good transportation system can help to make our environment cleaner, reducing asthma rates and helping us meet our goals to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. A good transportation system is reliable, safe and affordable. A good transportation system can also improve our communities, making them places where people are eager to live, work and play.

I am committed to making sure that the Green Line extension is completed on time, on budget, and all the way to Route 16 in order to maximize its benefits for everyone in our community. MassDOT has a legal commitment to complete the Green Line and I feel strongly that the extension will help make our neighborhoods more connected, safer and more vibrant. This will require a strong partnership with MassDOT, but also close coordination with the community to make sure that everyone's needs are heard and addressed throughout planning and construction.

Our transportation system is old and underfunded. These are ways that I will work with my colleagues in the legislature to fully invest in our transportation system:

Harsh winters create poor road conditions. I support increased funding for local roads, and will continue to urge the next Governor to sufficiently fund local road repair and maintenance.
We need to make sure that public transportation fares remain affordable. I will urge the MBTA to keep public transportation fares low so that the MBTA is accessible for everyone.
We need to continue to fully fund our transportation system so that we can invest in our future. I will work with the legislature and Governor to increase funding options for roads, bridges and public transportation.
We also need to modernize our transportation system and use technology so that we have a better idea of how long we have to wait for our bus or train, and how long we'll be sitting in traffic on a particular route. I will work closely with MassDOT to help make this happen.

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