Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation

Lt. Governor: Fed Report Shows Time is Now to Complete Rail Deal

 

Tim Murray, Lieutenant Governor

"At the end of the day, we all want the same things. We want to see our freight and passenger rail systems thrive and grow. To do so, however, will require the parties to come together and work in a spirit of true partnership."

Those words from Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) follow news that a federal Government Accountability Office report found no national standard about liability in case of a rail accident. 

The Commonwealth last fall announced a comprehensive multi-year rail transportation agreement with CSX Corporation to purchase CSX track in several key corridors including Framingham-Worcester to increase options for commuters and lay the groundwork for improving the flow of product shipments.

General agreement was reached on all major elements except liability- who should be responsible for damages if there is an accident involving freight and passenger trains.  The state seeks to ensure there is a fault-based liability arrangement to protect taxpayers, with each party responsible for damages if it is at fault.

Read the complete comments by Lieutenant Governor Murray and U.S. Representative McGovern. 

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette story is here.

In the News: South Coast Rail

South Coast Rail is a priority for Massachusetts members of Congress.  Read the story here.

MBTA: Simulator Boosts Driver Training

A safe ride is the top priority at the T, and a new bus simulator is helping bus drivers put safety first by recreating the challenges they encounter on the streets in and around Boston. 

Read the Globe story and visit the T website here.

Watch the video here.

Fed Stimulus Projects: Barre, Cheshire, Lincoln, New Braintree

The Patrick Administration announced the latest four "shovel-ready" projects being advertised for bid using federal highway stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.   The projects with a total value of $6.4 million include:

Barre, Route 122 and Route 62 resurfacing
Cheshire, Route 8 resurfacing
Lincoln, Route 2 resurfacing
New Braintree/Hardwick, Route 32 resurfacing

Massachusetts has received the authority from the federal government to spend a total of $437.9 million on highway projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. At least $153.2 million will be committed to “shovel-ready” projects that will be advertised by June 27, 2009.  A total of 16 projects already have been advertised.

Advertised Highway projects are now available for viewing on the Executive Office of Transportation's website.  

Visit here to learn more about Governor Patrick's Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

Reform: RMV Services at Two AAA Locations

Newton AAA Ribbon-Cutting

As part of the Patrick Administration’s ongoing reforms to create more customer-friendly transportation agencies, the Registry of Motor Vehicles today announced it will partner with AAA Southern New England on a pilot program to provide limited Registry services at AAA offices in Newton and Worcester.

Registration and driver license renewals are available at the two AAA locations during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

AAA Newton is located at 281 Needham Street and AAA Worcester at 25 Mountain Street East.

The pilot program will be evaluated after six months and may be expanded to additional AAA offices in Massachusetts.

To improve customer service, the RMV has also expanded online services over the past two years, including license, registration and title inquiries.  Visit our website. 

In the News: Reform

The Senate approved transportation reform legislation Wednesday. 

Read news stories from Springfield and Worcester here and here.

In the News: Regional Equity in Reforms

Transportation Secretary Aloisi visits MetroWest Daily News in Framingham and touts regional equity in Governor Patrick's transportation reform plan.  

Read the story.

MBTA T-Alerts: "Know Before You Go"

A disabled train on the MBTA Red Line in Cambridge at 8:50am today caused delays for three southbound trains.  Regular service resumed an hour later.

The T encourages riders to "know before you go" by signing up for MBTA's e-mail "T-Alerts" here.

To check the latest service updates, visit the MBTA website. 

Federal Stimulus: Four New Projects

The Patrick Administration announced that four additional "shovel-ready" projects are being advertised for bid using federal highway stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. .  The projects with a total value of $12.5 million include:

Barnstable, Route 6A resurfacing
Concord, Route 2 resurfacing
New Ashford-Lanesborough, Route 7 resurfacing
Northfield, Scenic Byway safety improvements on Route 10/63

Massachusetts has received the authority from the federal government to spend a total of $437.9 million on highway projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. At least $153.2 million will be committed to “shovel-ready” projects that will be advertised by June 27, 2009. 

Advertised Highway projects are now available for viewing on the Executive Office of Transportation's website.

Visit here to learn more about Governor Patrick's Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

Reform Savings: Turnpike, MBTA Collaborate

As part of Governor Patrick's ongoing transportation reform efforts, the Turnpike Authority board yesterday voted to enter into an agreement with the MBTA for armored car and money processing services.

The MBTA will provide money processing and armored courier services to the Authority. The agreement allows the MBTA to perform these services at a significant cost savings
for the Authority.

This reform is expected to save $3 million over five years and is part of the Pike's ongoing efforts to achieve additional cost savings and efficiencies.  Reform efforts to date have saved $31 million.

This is yet another example of transportation agencies working together as part of the Mobility Compact, identifying and moving to implement creative, money-saving reforms.