New MPG Poll: Worcester-area residents back fare-free buses

70% want to see the program extended for a 5th year; riders say they will ride less if fares return

As the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) weighs the future of fare-free bus service, a new poll of the region finds that seven-in-ten residents support continuing the 4-year-old policy. A majority (54%) strongly support continuing free fares. And nearly half of current riders surveyed say they would ride the bus less (26%) or stop riding altogether (19%)

Poll: More than three-quarters of Massachusetts residents support boosting funding for regional bus service

79% of Massachusetts residents support increasing funding for the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)

As lawmakers on Beacon Hill dig in on this year’s state budget, 79% of Massachusetts residents support increasing funding for the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), which provide local bus and paratransit service beyond the reaches of MBTA bus and subway service.  Nearly as many (74%) support using some of the new voter-approved surtax

Poll: Mass. voters say an even split of millionaire’s tax would be a fair share

Two-thirds think surtax proceeds should go into a trust fund.

February 10, 2023 When Massachusetts voters approved a new surtax on income over $1 million last year, it was clear what that money was supposed to go to: transportation and education. But how much should go to each? A new poll from The MassINC Polling Group (topline, crosstabs) finds that just under half of voters

Poll: 78% of voters view transportation system in only ‘fair or poor’ condition

New MassINC Polling Group Poll finds 59% of voters support future MBTA shutdowns to expedite improvements

October 20, 2022 Voters have a long transportation to-do list for the next governor of Massachusetts. Improving roads, bridges, and public transit is the top priority, but voters also support major expansions like bringing rail service to Western Massachusetts and reimagining the Commuter Rail network. To pay for it all, voters continue to support Question

For the T, Equity is the train that got away

The Gateway Cities Journal

The MBTA presented a package of proposed fare reductions to its new governing board late last month. Billed as an effort to increase equity, it’s hard to see how the changes will do anything but prolong and perhaps even amplify current inequities.

Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation

On low-income and zero-fare bills

The Honorable William Straus, House Chair The Honorable Joseph Boncore, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Transportation State House, Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 via email   Dear Chairmen Straus and Boncore, On behalf of MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, I strongly urge you to expedite a favorable report on H. 3526, “An Act Relative to

Andre Leroux offers testimony to Joint Committee on Transportation

On transportation revenue bills

The Honorable William Straus, House Chair The Honorable Joseph Boncore, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Transportation State House, Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 via email   RE: Support for new transportation revenue—local revenue tools are especially important to enable Gateway Cities and surrounding communities to solve their regional transit challenges – H. 3426 (Ciccolo) An

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