T4MA embraces a dynamic definition of transportation justice.
For us, it signifies ensuring that everyone enjoys access to safe, reliable accessible, affordable and equitable transportation networks. These systems should seamlessly connect individuals to essential destinations, people and resources — fostering opportunities for residents.
Those most impacted by transportation injustices must hold decision-making authority in shaping policies aimed at achieving and sustaining these objectives. Transportation justice seeks to redress historical injustices stemming from redlining, racism, and discrimination entrenched within our transportation, housing, and political frameworks. It’s about rectifying past harm and forging a future where transportation truly serves everyone.
We advocate together as a coalition, and you can also directly contact your legislator.
Consistent with our recommendations in Funding Our Future, some of our priority advocacies include:
Relative to the State Budget, we are advocating for:
- Increased funding for the MBTA to avoid service cuts that would reduce bus and rail service and curtail operating hours on the commuter rail
- Increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities to expand service hours, increase service and reduce wait times between buses
We are advocating for equity for transit users and drivers:
H.3623 / S.2397 An Act relative to fare free buses
Requires the MBTA to conduct a 1 year pilot program of fare free buses on a minimum of 10 routes with highest ridership and 10 other not top ten routes.
S.2368 An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions
Removes the statutory triggers that force the RMV to suspend a person’s license for failure to pay a fine or fee but would maintain all road safety related license suspensions.
We are advocating for revenue options for transportation that allow for local self-determination, are sustainable and equitable:
H.3050/S.2009 (An Act relative to regional transportation ballot initiatives)
Allows cities and towns to raise revenue to pay for local and regional transportation projects.
H.1251 /S.2253 An Act Relative to Transportation Network Company Fees
Charges per ride fees for rideshare companies from $.20 per ride to a percentage of the cost of ride to raise revenue for transportation.
S.2246/ H.3726 An Act aligning the Commonwealth’s transportation plans with its mandates and goals for reducing emissions and vehicle miles traveled
Sets a vehicle miles traveled reduction goal to decrease pollution from transportation.
S.2354 An Act establishing a regional equity and roadway board
Establishes a regional board to develop and deploy a comprehensive roadway pricing plan for the Boston area and make recommendations to the Legislature.
S.2353 An Act establishing the Metropolitan Transportation Network
Amends the definition of the Metropolitan Highway System and implements a comprehensive tolling and roadway pricing plan for the system by July 1, 2026.
We are advocating for commuter benefits which supports and encourages the use of public transit:
S.2038/H.2135 An Act to increase the commuter tax deduction to reflect rising costs
Increases the commuter deduction on state taxes from $750 to $1500.
S.1345/H.2153 An Act expanding access to commuter transit benefits offered by employers
Requires employers of 50 or more employees to offer pre-tax commuter benefits to employees.
We are advocating for the funding of microtransit for residents in areas there are no other options, and for more transportation options so we fill transportation gaps that are critical to a better quality of life:
S.2366/H.3658 An Act establishing a special commission on micro-transit
Establishes a commission to define and make recommendations for long term sustainable funding for microtransit statewide.
We are advocating for smart transportation policies that makes sense and propels us to the future:
S.2355/H.3732 An Act relative to third party delivery data reporting
Requires third party delivery services (like Grubhub and Ubereats) to provide data on amount of trips, duration, location, and other metrics for transportation planning purposes.
