public transportation

Report: Driving Boom Is Over

Lucas Willard — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:50:54 +0000

A new report from the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group highlighting the decline in the average number of miles driven by the average American is supporting the call for investments in public education in the commonwealth.

The report released by the MASSPIRG Education Fund titled “A New Direction: Our Changing Relationship with Driving and the Implications for America’s Future” says that on average, the amount of miles driven by Americans has been on the decline for the past eight years.

Berkshire Group Launches Grassroots Public Transit Campaign

Lucas Willard — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:07:28 +0000

A recently launched grassroots campaign advocating for improved public transportation in the Berkshires is now online, and some are hoping that it will catch on in communities across Massachusetts.

The Wish I Had Transit campaign was recently launched by volunteers in the Northern Berkshires, in less than two weeks since the idea of using social media to demonstrate the need for improved public transportation was discussed at a community forum in North Adams.

Northern Berkshire Residents Press Lawmakers for Transportation Funding

Lucas Willard — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:02:53 +0000

Concerned members of the Northern Berkshire community gathered in North Adams Friday to participate in an open discussion on their current and future public transportation needs.

Think Tank Urges Transportation Investment in Mass. Gateway Cities

Lucas Willard — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:13:25 +0000

A new report by Massachusetts think-tank MassINC shows a significant economic impact from the lack of adequate public transportation available in Gateway Cities.

The report released this week titled “Reinventing Transit: Investing in Public Transportation for Strong Gateway Cities Economies” reveals that the inadequate public transportation systems in place in mid-size, post-industrial cities in the commonwealth not only hinder workers, but also contribute to below-average labor force participation.

MassDOT Board Hears Comments from Berkshires

Lucas Willard — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:08:16 +0000

Local leaders in Berkshire County submitted their comments to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation yesterday in North Adams. WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard reports that officials made it clear to the board that funding to the county’s public transportation is inadequate.

At the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s monthly board meeting, held in North Adams yesterday afternoon, local officials brought their complaints with them to the 7-member board.

Possible Transit Fare Hikes Protested

Paul Tuthill — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 22:25:00 +0000

The Massachusetts legislature is considering a stop gap funding bill to help out the state’s transit authorities. People who depend on public transportation hope it will be enough to avoid fare hikes. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports