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%)

New Poll: BPS parents voice concerns about children’s emotional well-being, physical safety

68% say they are at least somewhat concerned with their children’s physical safety

A new poll of parents of Boston Public Schools students finds parents remain concerned about their children’s physical safety and emotional well-being while at school. In all, 68% say they are at least somewhat concerned with their children’s physical safety (see chart). Parents of color express greater concern about physical safety than do white parents.

Poll: Massachusetts small businesses still recovering from COVID

New MassINC Polling Group Poll finds Massachusetts small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color see expansion opportunities if capital and space challenges can be overcome

September 22, 2022 A new statewide survey commissioned by Coalition for an Equitable Economy (the Coalition) in partnership with The MassINC Polling Group (MPG) and Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) finds Massachusetts small businesses facing a long road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with about half (53%) reporting revenues remain lower than pre-pandemic. Business

Eliminating mandatory minimums

The view from the community

As the debate on repealing mandatory minimums unfolds, a key question is how do residents in communities most impacted by crime feel about a change in course? To gain this perspective, MassINC’s2014 poll included a sample of 10 communities representing half of all releases from state prisons. Residents in these high-release areas were more likely

MassINC unveils new report on criminal justice public opinion

View/download the full report (PDF) View/download the poll crosstabs (PDF) Massachusetts residents support reforming the criminal justice system to send fewer people to prison, and overwhelmingly (85 percent) support a package of reforms similar to those enacted in other states. In fact, most see the current prison system as a contributor to crime rather than

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