SUMMARY

The collapse of a Big Dig tunnel, which led to a tragic fatality, dominated headlines in 2006. An ensuing “stem to stern” review found the new roads and tunnels to be safe, and traffic data indicate that the decades-long project has reduced congestion, but years of Big Dig spending and deferred maintenance have, according to the Transportation Finance Commission, left Massachusetts with a gap of $13-$17 billion between transportation infrastructure needs and available revenues projected over the next 20 years. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), hobbled by an $8 billion debt, raised fares for the third time in less than seven years. And although public transportation ridership nationally is rising, T ridership declined between 2001 and 2005 with a slight up-tick in 2006. Even with constrained resources, however, the T implemented a new Charlie Card automated fare collection system and upgraded stations on the Blue and Red lines, and the Fairmount commuter rail line. Car ownership rates in Boston and the region continue to rise and residents are driving more miles every year, contributing to both congested roadways and a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Innovations in car- and ride- sharing such as Zip Car and GoLoco, cleaner bus transit and extended bike paths offer Bostonians new ways to save money and reduce air pollution. Logan Airport has regained the passenger loss that followed 9/11 while Port of Boston volume is increasing in both cargo and cruise ships. The greatest transportation challenges facing Boston are reductions in traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring that the MBTA has the resources necessary to improve current service as well as to expand the region’s transit and commuter rail system to underserved communities.

CONTEXT

The City of Boston and surrounding metropolitan area enjoy an extensive network of transportation options that allow residents, workers and visitors to travel to and around the area by car, bus, rapid transit, bicycle or on foot. The operation, maintenance and planning for this critical transportation infrastructure is divided among many local, regional and state agencies. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority not only operates the east-west Massachusetts Turnpike, or Interstate 90, but is also responsible for the “Big Dig” and reconstruction of the now-replaced elevated Central Artery—160 lane-miles of tunnels and roads to and through Boston and the new Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Other major highways serving Metropolitan Boston are operated by the Massachusetts Highway Department and include I-93, a north-south radial road, and both inner (Route 128/I-95) and outer (I-495) circumferential or ring roads. The Department of Conservation and Recreation  (successor to the Metropolitan District Commission) operates a network of parkways as well as the Charles River bicycle path network. Local roadways are operated by Boston and other cities and towns. The region’s extensive public transit network is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which provides bus, rapid transit and commuter rail service in a regional service area that includes 175 cities and towns and links to Amtrak at North and South Stations. This network includes 11 commuter rail lines with 125 stations and 5 rapid transit lines with 150 stations, along with an extensive network of local and express busses, and a small but important water ferry system. The City of Boston contains both a deepwater seaport and international airport within its municipal boundaries, both of which are owned and operated by a state authority, the  Massachusetts Port Authority .  However, Boston has relatively few bicycle paths and lanes and Bicycling magazine consistently ranks it as one of the worst cities in the country in which to ride a bicycle. By contrast, because of its compact size and network of sidewalks, public transit and pedestrian facilities, Boston is considered one of the nation’s most walkable cities.

Key Trends

	While the Big Dig improved traffic on key roadways to and from Boston, traffic and congestion are growing problems regionally and in Boston. Car ownership among Boston residents has grown sharply, but is growing more slowly than the surrounding metropolitan area and a new trend of “car sharing” is beginning to emerge as a substitute for car ownership.  While public transit use remains high, ridership has declined or remained flat in Greater Boston at a time when it is growing nationally. More »

Accomplishments & Developments

	While public transit use remains high, ridership has declined or remained flat in Greater Boston at a time when it is growing nationally. The Commonwealth finalized its first-ever statewide transportation plan addressing all transportation modes throughout the entire state. The fatal collapse of part of the ceiling in a Big Dig tunnel ceiling disrupted travel and drivers’ faith in the Big Dig. More »

Challenges

	Projected Federal and state funding for the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure falls far short of the amounts needed to properly maintain roads, bridges and public transportation.  The MBTA’s existing financial structure cannot support Greater Boston’s current or future transit needs.  Many people in Boston, and especially in surrounding cities and suburbs, lack viable alternatives to driving.  More »