Election Day was undoubtedly a disappointing day for transportation advocates and a setback for those who use and rely on a safe and well-maintained transportation infrastructure: businesses, residents and visitors of the commonwealth. The success of Question 1 means that $1 billion in transportation funding over the next 10 years will not materialize, funds that could have gone towards improving our roads, bridges and public transportation across Massachusetts.
Yet, despite their vote in favor of Question 1, voters remain concerned about our transportation system. Research conducted by a large group of stakeholders earlier in the year indicates that road and bridge safety is a top concern across the state, and many voters are also frustrated by increasing levels of traffic congestion. While they rejected this particular revenue mechanism, no one should mistake the results of Question 1 to mean that the electorate does not prioritize transportation investment.
Voters did send a clear signal that they are concerned about accountability and effective management across state government. The business community shares this priority. Indeed, MassDOT and the MBTA have already taken important steps to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent efficiently. Over the next few years, MassDOT will stop the practice of paying for operating expenses with capital dollars. Additionally, the MBTA’s new contracts for Commuter Rail service and The Ride will realize significant savings. For example, the MBTA’s new Commuter Rail contract with Keolis will come in $93 million under budget just this fiscal year alone. We look forward to working with the Baker Administration to realize additional efficiencies and savings throughout the transportation system.
The Cost Of Doing Nothing
However, there is still a significant revenue shortfall that needs to be addressed. Despite the incredible work of Gov. Deval Patrick and the legislature last year, an annual average shortfall of approximately $500 million in transportation funding remains and it needs to be closed. This gap has significant economic consequences. Growing areas in Boston, such as the South Boston Waterfront, Lower Roxbury and the Longwood Medical Area all depend on transportation investment to ensure continued success.
This is also true for the Gateway Cities across the commonwealth. According to our recent report, “The Cost of Doing Nothing,” an average of 24,847 jobs were supported annually by transportation investment over the last several years. Additional investments will create more direct jobs and increase mobility, increasing the ability of a resident in one part of Massachusetts to access a job opportunity in another.
Despite the need for additional reform, our current investment gap cannot be generated through just more savings and efficiencies. If we want to grow to our full economic potential, we will need to expand South Station, deliver the Green Line Extension and further modernize the MBTA and expand its reach significantly with new improvements, such as Bus Rapid Transit service and the additional of diesel multiple units to the fleet. The Silver Line will need additional and improved vehicles to meet the demands of the growing South Boston Waterfront, and potential improvements to catalyze Beacon Yards must be seized. All of this is not free, and we will have to make the choices necessary to fund these improvements. The business community looks forward to continued collaboration with our political and civic leaders in order to make the investments that are critical to our future economic growth and prosperity.
Rick Dimino is the president and CEO of A Better City.
