Rick Dimino
In a few days, Massachusetts will elect a new governor and begin a new era. This is a time of hope, challenges and another chance to fix the ongoing crisis at the MBTA. The goal of improving the MBTA is a customary promise from new governors, but this year the stakes are higher than ever. The next approach with public transit will indirectly set the policies for reducing carbon emissions, managing traffic congestion, supporting transportation equity and addressing affordable housing issues. These next decisions can also stage for long-term prosperity, or threaten our recent success and reputation as a global leader.
A financial cliff is approaching. Within the next two years, the MBTA’s annual operating budget and long-term capital investment plans will likely face major deficits. This is happening as federal COVID relief funds run out, fare collections remain lower than pre-pandemic levels and major repairs need funding. The question for the next governor and legislative leaders is not if state government needs to act, but when – and how.
Today the MBTA continues along a long path forward to create a safer system that runs with reliable frequency and modern vehicles. For the next year and possible longer, the MBTA is required to satisfy dozens of specific requirements set by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) safety inspection. The FTA expects the T to hire additional staff to monitor train movement, fix specific stretches of subway rail and change safety procedures. These FTA orders will ultimately increase the MBTA’s budget gap, but the costs are currently undisclosed or unknown.
Potential Solutions Come with Questions
During the transition period before January, the next governor will need to review the entire transportation system’s immediate needs while also organizing a process for hiring the next general manager of the T. This assessment will show that there are significant transit needs outside the MBTA service area, because the state’s regional transit authorities do not provide transit service in the evenings or on Sundays in much of the commonwealth. Roads and bridges are a mixed bag. Increased federal infrastructure funds will help, but there are tremendous unfunded needs in municipally-owned roads and bridges in all areas of the state.
The next governor will also realize that two potential solutions are not a panacea, especially in the near-term. If the voters approve the Fair Share Amendment this November, new revenue for transportation and education should be available starting in 2024, but it is unclear if this is an even split between these two categories, nor how the transportation dollars will be used. The new governor should take an urgent first step by setting initial priorities for this money before it is collected.
Finally, the Biden administration’s federal infrastructure law can help address some of our biggest challenges with federal funding, but there is no guarantee Massachusetts takes full advantage of this opportunity. There is $115 billion available in competitive transportation grant programs, but Massachusetts must compete against every other state for these dollars. The next governor should establish a special transportation funding and development team that mobilizes an effort to win large grants and helps win funding for major projects like the Cape Cod bridges, I-90 Allston Multimodal Project, East-West Rail and the Red-Blue Connector.
Start the Conversation About a 21st Century System
The price tag of providing adequate transit service is significant, but the cost to our region will be even greater if we let the MBTA fail or delay plans to upgrade the system. The next governor should start a statewide conversation with stakeholders, elected officials, the business world and communities about how to fund and develop a 21st century transportation system. This is not just about revenue, but should involve changes that expand capital procurement methods, public-private partnerships, debt relief for the MBTA and strategic use of state surplus funds. The start of a new administration is the ideal time to set a bold vision for the future, can make the case there is a cost of doing nothing.
Still, what would happen if the next governor considers cutting the MBTA budget, either through eliminating service, reducing the size of the MBTA workforce or opposing additional state aid to public transit? First, it is hard to imagine the MBTA could comply with federal safety mandates under this circumstance. Riders would suffer and the state would likely fail many fundamental equity goals. Any plans to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector would also be impossible to achieve. Finally, there would be economic impacts, especially in downtown economies, if traffic congestion and poor transit options discourage people from returning to the office or traveling throughout the region.
It’s clear transit investments improve access to jobs, provide cleaner air and support economic growth in new business districts. The next governor can capitalize on this moment where state legislators and the Greater Boston region are ready to talk about both the future of the T and statewide transportation plans . The next governor should seize this opportunity to convert the chronic challenges in our transportation system into a proud legacy that benefits the people of Massachusetts for generations and this effort should start this month.
Rick Dimino is CEO of A Better City.
