The threat of increased fares and cuts in service for the MBTA was enough to mobilize people across the state who come out in droves earlier this year and voiced their concerns for the future of our public transportation system. Unfortunately, balancing the T’s budget was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to transportation finance reform. If we want to get serious about making changes that ensure the vitality of our transportation systems in a way that supports public transit riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, we’ll need more constant, proactive public engagement.
This is why Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is hosting a series of 15 public, interactive discussions titled “Your Vision, Our Future: A Transportation Conversation,” taking place over the next two months.
[pulledquote]balancing the T’s budget was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to transportation finance reform[/pulledquote]
The intention of the meetings is to gather feedback from Massachusetts residents regarding regional and statewide transportation needs. These events will help the MassDOT board develop a transportation funding plan, which the legislature has called on them to produce by January.
This is a critical time for the state’s transportation system and your voice can make a big difference in moving the state towards a more vibrant, safe, and reliable transportation system. A statewide, long-term funding solution for our transportation system across all modes is possible, and now is the time for all of us to speak up!
The schedule of events is listed below. Please share and help us get the word out.
September 27, 2012 6-8 PM
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square, Building 2
Scibelli Hall Theater
Springfield, MA 01105
October 2, 2012 5:30-7:30 PM
Worcester City Hall
Levi Lincoln Room-3rd Floor
455 Main Street Worcester, MA 01605
October 4, 2012 6 -8 PM
Pittsfield Public Library
(Berkshire Athenaeum)
Auditorium
One Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201
October 10, 2012 6-8 PM
UMass Amherst
Campus Center -Room 168 C
1 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003
October 16, 2012 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Public Library
Auditorium
610 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
October 17, 2012 6-8 PM
Middlesex Community College
Federal Building- Assembly Room
50 Kearney Square
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
October 23, 2012 6:45-8:45 PM
Haverhill Public Library
Auditorium
99 Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
October, 25, 2012 6-8 PM
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
1st Floor Conference Room
215 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
October 30, 2012 6-8 PM
The Conference Center at Massasoit
770 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02301
November 1, 2012 6-8 PM
Corson Maritime Learning Center,
2nd floor
33 William Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
November 8, 2012 6-8 PM
Quincy High School Auditorium
100 Coddington Street
Quincy, MA 02169
November 14, 2012 6-8 PM
Memorial Building -Nevins Hall
150 Concord Street
Framingham MA, 01701
November 15, 2012 5:30-7:30 PM
Mattapan Branch Library
Community Room
1350 Blue Hill Avenue
Mattapan, MA 02126
November 27, 2012 6-8 PM
McGlynn Middle School Auditorium
3002 Mystic Valley Pkwy
Medford, MA 02155
November 29, 2012 6-8 PM
Massachusetts Transportation Building
Conference Rooms 1,2,3
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments can do so at yourvisionourfuture@dot.state.ma.us.
For more information, contact Charlie Ticotsky, MAPC’s Government Affairs Coordinator.