Monday, April 1, 2013
The new system would replace all of the tolls in the state, but could put about 400 state employees out of work.
Want less waiting in line and sifting for loose change on the Mass Pike? According to state transportation officials, you will soon get your wish. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans to install an electronic tolling system that replaces the current E-ZPass and toll-taker setup with overhead censors that read E-ZPasses on cars traveling at high speeds, according to WBUR. It would generate a monthly bills to drivers who do not have an E-ZPass. The system would cost $100 million to build, but if the toll takers are eliminated, the system will pay for itself in about two to three years, according to WBUR. The new system could put about 400 toll collectors out of work, but some could be retained and placed in other state …
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Fare hikes and service cuts are a few options T officials proposed in an effort to close the $130 million budget deficit in 2014.
MBTA officials have proposed service cuts and fare increases if there is no increase in funding, based on a $130 projected budget deficit in fiscal year 2014. Director of Strategic Initiatives for the MBTA Charles Planck said at a MBTA finance committee meeting that in order to close the budget gap, T fares would need to go up 33 percent, which means subway fares would move up from $2 to $2.60, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday. There was also talk at the meeting of a 15 percent fare increase coupled with the possible elimination of up to 30 bus routes, according to the Globe. Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled an ambitious transportation plan in February that would potentially raise $1.02 billion per year for the next 10 years, some of which, …
Monday, February 25, 2013
The forum will address how to fund public transportation in Massachusetts.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The board of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released its 21st Century Transportation Plan, which outlines the state’s budgetary needs over the course of the next 10 years and beyond.
With a debt-ridden public transporation system needing repairs, the state will likely need to increase revenue from car registrations, license renewals, taxes and tolls, according to a new report. The Board of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released its 21st Century Transportation Plan on Monday, Jan. 14 which calls for a $13 billion overall investment in state transportations systems over the next decade. Included in the report are several ideas to pay for public transportation needs including an increase in the vehicle registration fee by $53 to $103, an increase in the vehicle inspection fee by $19 to $48, boosting the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 7.75 percent, increasing the gas tax by 30 cents per gallon to 51…
Frosty the Snowman
11:20 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Jack up the prices and park the unused busses. I see plenty of empty buses driving around town. I'm sure that there are very busy routes, that are needed. People seem to think they are entitled to an amazing public transit system all over greater Boston. It's not a reality, not enough riders to justify the cost. Buy a car or live closer to work, you might even have to walk further to your stop, … more ›