Transportation, the backbone of a thriving economy, is crucial to every aspect of life in Massachusetts, connecting workers to jobs, businesses to markets, students to schools, and residents and visitors to cultural and recreational resources. A reliable, affordable, and well-connected transportation network is particularly essential to advancing the region’s equity goals: such a network would improve the lives of lower-income populations by enhancing access to good jobs, schools, and services.

While a vital feature of the built environment, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts. Furthermore, staggering levels of traffic congestion and unreliability of public transit services have taken a toll on commuters in the Commonwealth. To fully realize the benefits of a well-functioning transportation system, these burdens must be addressed.

Reforms implemented over the past decade have improved the management of our transportation system and, in limited instances, made the system more efficient and reliable – although we have a long way to go. Action is still needed to put transportation on a sound financial footing, so we can build and maintain the 21st century system that will enable us to meet our economic, environmental, and equity goals.

MAPC has prepared the 14 recommendations to address transportation finance. These ideas are intended as a “menu” of options. Multiple “menu” items will likely be needed to address our local, regional, and statewide transportation priorities. We believe that all options should be on the table, and we stand ready to work with the Baker Administration and both branches of the Legislature to implement policies that will address our state’s transportation funding needs.