A Vision for Boston:
Questions for the 2009 Mayoral Candidates

Day 11: Transportation

What are your top 3 priorities for transportation-related projects? How do you expect to fund them?

Response from Councilor Flaherty:

Not surprisingly, the economic downturn has elicited a response by governments to slash public transportation funding, but that’s a short-sighted response that fails to acknowledge the important economic development opportunities that could be spurred by public transportation investments. It’s time for public transportation to be a first class choice - not a second-rate alternative. As Mayor, I’ll advocate for strategies that enhance bus riders’ experience, such as new technologies that track passenger wait time and bus and train location, more buses for more frequent service and less overcrowding, and accessible, safe and bike-friendly stations. Better service will boost ridership, which consequently, will boost revenue. I will also promote a local and regional transportation agenda that makes transparent and sound investment decisions, including a Silver Line that is light rail where only half the proposed tunnel is built with the rest above ground. This modified version will be less expensive and enable riders commuting to the Seaport area/Logan Airport to avoid an inconvenient bus-train transfer. I will also advocate making the 28 bus route light rail, providing a segment of the city that is largely dependent on public transportation with a long overdue light rail connection.