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.
Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis
The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.
Twin Cities Transit Agency Launches Safety Initiatives
The agency is pairing with nonprofit partners to provide on-site services and resources to riders and boosting fare enforcement without police involvement.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions