It hasn't gotten much notice, and even some insiders (like Jim Aloisi) won't acknowledge it, but a confluence of events over the last spelled an end to the Great Toll Inequity issue. I've got the detailed theory in a column here. In … [Read more...]
Toll Hikes On Hold After Pike Reserve Fund Found
For Your Information!! State officials tell WBZ's Jon Keller we're getting a temporary reprieve. The governor and top legislative leaders are expected to tap millions of dollars from a Turnpike Authority reserve fund to stave off the toll … [Read more...]
Playing Politics in the Transportation Bill
So we now have a proposed resident discount program that increases fares for the communities most impacted but now includes Winthrop, which had never received a reduced toll in the past. This is troubling for three reasons. (1) … [Read more...]
Today’s Podcast: Lynne’s Having a Gas Problem (eww!)
Today's LeftAhead podcast, on the gas tax: … [Read more...]
MTA Public Hearing & Anti-Toll Rally in Lynn on Monday Evening!
There will be a public hearing held at Lynn City Hall on Monday, December 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be an anti-toll increase rally in front of Lynn City Hall starting at 6 .p.m. The proposed increase represents bad … [Read more...]
Real Civic Engagement :Organizanizing in East Boston around Taxes or Tolls
Cross posted by Jim Bowen on ONE Massachusetts reporting on another chapter in the long distinguished history of East Boston residents ready to take to the streets in the common interest of their community. Amid the state-wide … [Read more...]
The wrong approach on tolls
When the Pike demand is below capacity - during the substantial off-peak period - there is no pricing problem or opportunity. During those periods, tolls serve only a revenue function. Apparently, Governor Patrick wants to fashion himself … [Read more...]
The Metro West case for (smart) toll hikes
And, time is money, especially for small business owners, who will find that it takes less time to get goods and services (perhaps delivered by the small businesswomen herself) downtown. But, the congestion relief is minimized if there … [Read more...]
Be Careful What You Wish For, or, How Mass-Transit Victories Are Killing Mass Transit
Environmental remediation is called for because the Big Dig, by increasing traffic, has many adverse environmental effects. So CLF went to court and got legally binding commitments for the Silver Line, the Green Line extension, and the … [Read more...]
Gas tax and (smart) toll hike
Set aside the virtuous reasons for a gas tax hike. We need a gas tax hike because we can't afford to build and maintain our transportation infrastructure. If cars and trucks need more and better roads and bridges, then it should fall more … [Read more...]