The recommendations in the new report are designed to make the Commonwealth a national leader in sustainable and equitable transportation funding. Photo by Sydney Moyer
December 17, 2024 (Boston, MA) – Today, as part of the Transit Is Essential coalition, Conservation Law Foundation released Funding Our Future: A Roadmap for an Equitable and Sustainable Transportation Funding System in Massachusetts. Signed by over 40 partners, the report offers clear, actionable solutions to rebuild the state’s crumbling transportation system, while protecting the health, wallets, and quality of life of Massachusetts residents.
“Massachusetts families have been stuck with an underfunded transportation system for way too long, struggling with unsafe infrastructure, unreliable service, and more,” said Seth Gadbois, Staff Attorney at CLF. “This report shows that there is a path to close the funding gaps – a way forward that protects our communities and their wallets.”
“Now it’s up to our elected officials to step up and turn these solutions into reality.” added Gadbois. “ We have to get this right because a good transportation system doesn’t just get us places – it helps us build stronger, healthier, and better-connected communities for all.”
The report highlights proven funding solutions that shift the burden away from low- and middle-income families, including raising taxes on luxury goods and high-income corporations, empowering local communities across Massachusetts to fund their own public transportation projects, and reinvesting the increased property value from transit improvements into transportation budgets. The recommendations are designed to make the Commonwealth a national leader in sustainable and equitable transportation funding.
CLF calls on state leaders to complement the Governor’s Transportation Funding Task Force’s efforts by embracing the strategies in our report, which include a shift away from short-term fixes like fare hikes and toward long-term, impactful policies aimed at reducing congestion, cutting pollution, electrifying public transit, and giving people the freedom to choose how to move.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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