Transit users' encounters with MassDOT's transportation networks analyzed in recently unveiled research
In a significant move, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has allocated an all-time high of $300 million in Chapter 90 funding for cities and towns across Massachusetts to repair and improve local roads, bridges, sidewalks, and culverts. This investment aims to address the transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly in Western Massachusetts [1].
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has also released the People and Transportation Project Report, a comprehensive study conducted in partnership with Way Finders and The MassINC Polling Group. The report focuses on the lived experiences of residents using the transportation system in the Springfield region, drawing data from over 1,600 Way Finders clients and eight focus groups, as well as a separate survey of 600 low-income residents of Hampden and Hampshire counties making less than $75,000 per year [2].
The report highlights several key findings concerning transportation challenges faced by low-income residents and people with disabilities in Springfield.
- High Cost of Transportation: The report emphasizes that the high cost of transportation is a significant barrier for many residents in Western Massachusetts. This financial burden affects their ability to access essential services and opportunities [1][3].
- Access to Boston: Traveling to Boston, particularly for specialized medical care, is a major challenge due to limited affordable and reliable transportation options. This limits access to healthcare, jobs, and other opportunities [2].
- East-West Rail Support: There is strong support for the planned East-West Rail service, which is seen as a potential solution to improve access to jobs, healthcare, and other opportunities. However, concerns exist about the affordability of ticket prices and the project's completion [2].
- Transit-Oriented Housing: The report suggests that building more transit-oriented housing can reduce household transportation costs and support a stronger transit network. This approach is viewed as beneficial for low-income families and the environment [1].
- Accessibility for People with Disabilities: Improving accessibility for people with disabilities is a critical aspect of creating a more inclusive transportation system. This includes ensuring that public transportation options are accessible and reliable for all users [1].
The report also reveals that over 80% of Way Finders' clients have experienced negative impacts due to transportation problems, including missing appointments, being late for work or school, and skipping medical care [4]. Moreover, a majority of Way Finders' clients have missed paying other bills due to the cost of transportation, and 75% have been unable to afford to get where they needed to be [3].
In response to these challenges, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has extended fare-free regional transit service at all 15 Regional Transit Authorities, including the PVTA, through the fiscal year 2026 budget [5]. This move is supported by both the report and Way Finders' clients, with most people in both surveys expressing interest in using West-East Rail and most of Way Finders' clients stating that fare-free buses would encourage them to use public transportation more frequently [2].
Way Finders, an organisation that aims to help low-income individuals and families achieve economic independence, will utilise the data from the report to better understand the transportation challenges faced by its clients and improve its services to help them overcome barriers to economic opportunity [6].
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will use the findings from the report to plan transportation projects that better cater to community needs [7]. MassDOT is also working on a vision for intercity passenger rail connections known as Compass Rail, which aims to utilise existing services and new connections between western and eastern Massachusetts, including West-East Rail [8].
A new formula has been introduced that will allow for $100 million of the total investment to be allocated based exclusively on road miles, benefiting small and rural communities statewide [1]. This initiative, combined with the findings from the People and Transportation Project Report, aims to create a more equitable and accessible transportation system for all Massachusetts residents.
References: [1] Healey-Driscoll Administration Allocates Record $300 Million for Local Road Repairs and Improvements. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-allocates-record-300-million-for-local-road-repairs-and-improvements [2] MassDOT Releases People and Transportation Project Report. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.mass.gov/news/mdot-releases-people-and-transportation-project-report [3] Way Finders' Clients Struggle with High Transportation Costs. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.wayfinders.org/news/way-finders-clients-struggle-with-high-transportation-costs [4] Over 80% of Way Finders' Clients Experience Negative Impacts Due to Transportation Problems. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.wayfinders.org/news/over-80-of-way-finders-clients-experience-negative-impacts-due-to-transportation-problems [5] Healey-Driscoll Administration Extends Fare-Free Regional Transit Service. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-extends-fare-free-regional-transit-service [6] Way Finders to Utilize Data from People and Transportation Project Report. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.wayfinders.org/news/way-finders-to-utilize-data-from-people-and-transportation-project-report [7] MassDOT to Use Findings from People and Transportation Project Report to Plan Transportation Projects. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.mass.gov/news/mdot-to-use-findings-from-people-and-transportation-project-report-to-plan-transportation-projects [8] MassDOT Working on Vision for Intercity Passenger Rail Connections Known as Compass Rail. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.mass.gov/news/mdot-working-on-vision-for-intercity-passenger-rail-connections-known-as-compass-rail
- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) manages various initiatives related to finance, bus services, and rail services in the transportation industry.
- The high cost of transportation in the Springfield region, particularly for low-income residents and people with disabilities, is a significant barrier to accessing essential services, healthcare, jobs, and opportunities.
- In an effort to address these challenges, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has extended fare-free regional transit service, which includes buses, to help improve public-transit accessibility for low-income residents in Massachusetts.
