Moving Together: Healthy Transportation

A strong commitment to pedestrian and bicycle transportation is a key part of the transportation vision of the new MassDOT.  Walking and bicycling move people out of single-occupant vehicles, reduce traffic congestion, and promote healthy lifestyles and a cleaner environment.

In the months ahead, MassDOT will strengthen this commitment through better coordination of bicycle and pedestrian projects, investments in pedestrian and bicycle safety, implementing the healthy transportation compact, and making a priority of expanding the pedestrian and bicycle facilities network statewide.

In addition, the Healthy Transportation Compact is a key requirement of the transportation reform law. 

The goals include expanding mobility, improving public health, supporting a cleaner environment, and creating stronger communities.

As part of the Compact, MassDOT will establish a Healthy Transportation Advisory Group comprised of advocates and leaders in the field of land use, transportation and public health policy.

Partnerships are being formed with advocates and public health professionals as an exciting opportunity to continue strengthening the commitment to public health and increased access for bicyclists and pedestrians. 

Learn more about that commitment and the Healthy Compact at the MassDOT Information Center on the web here.

Comments

[SL_Fan]

It's great to see the Silver Line getting more useful. That being said, I was surprised that they chose to simply run yet another SL line (SL4), on yet a different route, thereby adding even more confusion for riders.

The current SL5 route stops at 3 Orange Line stops in a row: Tufts Medical, Chinatown, and Downtown Crossing. Why combine the SL4 and SL5 routes? Have the SL4/5:
- stop at Tufts, then follow the current SL5 route down Essex to South Station.
- Turn left on Summer St., then a quick right and left onto High St., then Federal.
- Stop at the BoA building (Federal at Franklin) where there are lots of local bus connections
- Left on Franklin (stop at Washington St./Downtown Crossing/Local Bus)
- Continue straight onto Bromfield
- Turn left onto Tremont (stop at Park St.)
- Pick up existing SL4 Route outbound

It would still serve Tufts Medical, South Station, Downtown Crossing, and add multiple local bus connections, and Park St.

It would cut right through the Financial District picking up all SL outbound passengers at several locations.

You could run one SL route 50% more often (higher customer satisfaction!) but still use fewer buses than running two seperate lines.
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EOT Responds: Thanks for the suggestion and support for the Silver Line. We'll let you know what the MBTA says about your idea.