Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.
A poll conducted by the Boston Herald shows that 70 percent of current and former users of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) public transit services express having felt unsafe while using the system.
According to an article by Benjamin Cortez in Hoodline, “only 45% of current and former riders believe that the MBTA will improve in 10 years, and 16% predict a worse future for the system’s service.”
This pessimistic view reflects the system’s recent setbacks, such as track maintenance safety and service cuts, as ridership continues to lag below pre-pandemic levels. Cortez notes, “While some factors are beyond the MBTA's control, two crucial elements could potentially entice more riders back: free rides and more reliable service. More than half of the respondents claim that these changes would make them more inclined to use the system in the future.”
Opinion: Funding The T Should Be a Massachusetts State Priority
With ridership revenue still lagging and fatal incidents plaguing the Boston-area transit agency, one writer argues that state lawmakers must step in to fund upgrades for the aging system.
Boston Transit Ridership Grows Steadily
Ridership on the region’s commuter rail reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March.
Transit Agencies Begin Service Changes for Coronavirus Response
Public transit agencies are responding to declining ridership during the Coronavirus outbreak by reducing service. But the right balance between safe, reliable, and sustainable will be hard to calibrate in these difficult times.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Santa Cruz Transit Looks to Expand
A small transit agency in Northern California is making ambitious expansion plans.
Advancing Park Equity Through Needs Assessments
City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Prevention Institute, recently hosted a webinar about park equity and collaboration, focusing on the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.
California Impact Fees Reach Supreme Court
An upcoming ruling could have a major impact on building and development in California and around the country.
Alta Planning + Design
Alta Planning + Design
City of Kyle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Helena
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
