Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Boston

The North-South Rail Link would be a transformative project for Boston commuter rail, but Governor Charlie Baker has spurned it in favor of smaller but less useful projects. Image: Citizens for the North South Rail Link

Charlie Baker’s Transit Policy Isn’t About What’s Best for Boston — It’s About His Image

By Alon Levy | Mar 7, 2017 | 35 Comments

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has carefully cultivated the image of a business-minded Republican intent on running government more efficiently. But when it comes to transit, Baker's spending priorities are not consistent with his pragmatic persona.

Public agencies will spend more than $100 million to to add 2,100 parking spaces to this parking crater. Image: Google Maps

Coming Soon to Boston’s Massive Parking Crater: More Subsidized Parking

By Angie Schmitt | Mar 6, 2017 | 10 Comments

Quick -- what should a city do to improve access to a rapidly developing area near a BRT station? In Boston, officials have settled on an expensive plan to subsidize driving and traffic.

Pedestrian crossings in cities should not be designed like Boston's Landmark Interchange. Photo: Muddy River Associates

How Engineering Standards for Cars Endanger People Crossing the Street

By Angie Schmitt | Mar 3, 2017 | 20 Comments

At the Landmark Interchange by Fenway Park in Boston, people trying to walk across the street sometimes have to wait as long as two minutes for a signal. And that, says Northeastern University Civil Engineering Professor Peter Furth, is dangerous.

The MBTA is doing something about its sorry bus stops, but is it doing enough?

Boston Identified Its Most Dangerous, Degrading Bus Stops. Now What?

By Angie Schmitt | Feb 8, 2017 | 5 Comments

The MBTA is evaluating all 7,600 of its bus stops for safety and accessibility, and it will either improve or eliminate 200 of the worst ones.

Boston Has Yet to Deliver on Big Promises to Eliminate Traffic Deaths

By Angie Schmitt | Jan 20, 2017 | 1 Comment

Local advocates say the lack of action to fix dangerous Beacon Street is emblematic of Walsh's timid approach to the problem.

What the Heck Is Wrong With Boston’s MBTA?

By Angie Schmitt | Nov 4, 2016 | 35 Comments

Last week, the engine on one of Boston’s Orange Line trains overheated and ignited some trash, filling traincars with smoke. Passengers broke windows to escape. Three people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The scare focused attention on long-standing maintenance problems for the T: It’s underfunded, upkeep is falling behind, and the quality of service is suffering. Orange Line trains, many of which are three […]

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