It's supposed to file a report by the end of March on how to get us "the 21st-century transportation that we all deserve," Baker said at a press conference. "We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result."
Stephanie Pollack, transportation secretary, said the panel will also look at long-term fixes for the "structural problems that have led the T to where it is today."
Baker said that while he'll leave the heavy lifting to the commission, he will be making surprise visits to T stations and other facilities to try to get a handle on what's going on.
From the governor's statement:
The experts include Jane Garvey, a national leader in transportation policy and top pick for Secretary of Transportation in the Obama administration, Jose A. Gomez-Ibanez , the Derek C. Bok Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at Harvard University, and Katie Lapp, former Executive Director and CEO for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, North American’s largest transportation network. Paul Barrett will serve as chair.
Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!
Ad:
Comments
Commuter rail expanded; subway and bus stagnated
By jeffkinson
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:34pm
Let's be clear just which parts of the MBTA have been expanding. Over the last 27 years, the subway system has gotten only one new station, Assembly, which was a relatively cheap infill station with a good chunk of the costs paid for by Somerville and by the developer. Other than that, the only expansion actually completed in the inner core was the Silver Line, which achieves the lowest subsidy per ride of any part of the T, despite its many flaws.
Meanwhile, the commuter rail has expanded by dozens of miles and several new lines in search of suburban votes. Each ride on the commuter rail costs the T far more than a subway or bus ride, even though commuter rail riders are much wealthier on average. Then, the T loses even more money by subsidizing parking - they just spent $100 million building parking garages in Salem and Beverly that cost more than $50,000 per parking space.
The commuter rail's problem is overexpansion; the subway and bus system's problem is underinvestment.
ding ding ding WE HAVE A WINNER.
By cybah
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:39pm
Thank you! I've been trying to say this all day.. you just worded it better.
This is EXACTLY it.
Political strategy over financial one
By Markk02474
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 5:08pm
You have nailed it here. The MBTA has been spending money on winning votes to grow funding support, even if a operationally bad use of funds. We see that in many ways. Its unsustainable service expansion into the suburbs and exurbs for their votes. Its facelifts for stations. Its wifi and cell service. Its train/bus location info and publishing it. Its more customer service workers, tweets and texts. Its a fancy operations center to get media coverage on. Its working to get more riders. Its all the things a voting public will see getting money. Maintenance projects not so much.
Another way to increase T ridership and its political power has been by reducing the quantity of parking in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville etc. and raising the cost of parking. Anti-car, pro-transit, pro-bicycling forces have been hard at work doing that here and in some other metro areas nationally. Often the loss of parking is for a small number of bicyclists.
Federal funding is also structured this way: Money for shiny new things re-electing legislators, not so much for maintenance. Even curb extensions are for show while not actually reducing accidents! Towns get stuck too - All that streetscaping added to roadway projects is on the cities and towns to maintain. Political realities trump financial ones.
yay another report. yay more wasted money
By cybah
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:52pm
not. seriously. we've had.. how many now? and they've all collected dust and nothing was done.
We know what the issues are with the T, but we want solutions on how to fix it, not another g-d committee to tell me what we already know.
And while I want to believe Baker and his team will attempt to change this after the findings come out, but I've just lived in MA too long to believe much of what these politicians are saying. I just fear that when these findings come out in a few weeks, it'll be quietly brushed under the rug with little or no fan fare and no resolution. Just more hot air as usual.
Talk is cheap folks... very cheap. Actions cost money. We'll see how this plays out in the weeks to come.
PS - I spent a good chunk of an evening Wednesday night reading Pioneer Institute reports about the T. I suggest anyone who is an insomniac or really into transit like I am to read up. Lots of interesting reading.. http://pioneerinstitute.org/
Shirley point # 2
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:02pm
Her piece included the concept that a plan without a time frame is useless - exactly your point pretty much.
You've lived in Mass how long???
By tachometer
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:03pm
[quote]when these findings come out in a few weeks[/quote]
These don't sound like the words of someone who has lived here that long.
/s
I'm just quoting what they said in the presser
By cybah
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:17pm
I'm just quoting what they said in the presser. I don't believe it, but they said 30 days... not me.
30 Day timeframe...
By octr202
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:21pm
...with a little wiggle room will put us past snow season. Probably hopes everything will magically heal itself by then and we can all go back to ignoring the T.
30 days must be a magic number...
By whyaduck
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:54pm
Dr. Scott had original used the same figure.
I worked on a committee for a
By Lyndsay
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 5:36pm
I worked on a committee for a similar purpose - advising the legislature on public safety via a panel of experts. These things take way longer than initially anticipated. Schedules have to be coordinated, and these people still have their own jobs to report to. They aren't getting paid to do this, it's all on their own time.The true irony would be if they couldn't meet because snowstorms prevented it. Anyway, I'd give them until the summer at least, especially if there's a professor on it - their class schedule takes priority. There's no way this gets done by March.
well
By John-W
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 7:57pm
If they just crib a bit from the scads of existing reports and then just take the Pioneer Institute's recommendations, they'll probably be all set for then getting into gridlock with the Legislature. This should be loads of fun.
Due Deliberation
By AllstonHipster
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 4:55pm
If those findings do come out in that short a time frame, it indicates to me that the committee may already have their minds made up about what to do at the first meeting.
Yup, recurring problem
By Markk02474
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:18pm
1. Form commission of experts to study problem with air of legitimacy and credibility.
2. Insufficient political will to implement the most significant recommendations.
3. Minor ones implemented, politicians pat selves on back, major problems remain to crop up again.
The T board has been part of the problem with years of service expansions instead of shoring up fundamentals. CLF has been a partner in over expansion.
You've lived in Mass how long???
By tachometer
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:29pm
[quote]when these findings come out in a few weeks[/quote]
These don't sound like the words of someone who has lived here that long.
/s
Surprise visits
By Michael
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:53pm
"OK, guys, tuck in your shirts, a fleet of black SUVs will be pulling up in about 15 minutes"
visits
By Saul
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:53pm
Makes total sense. Those photos of crowds at North and South Stations were clearly doctored and the alerts on mbta.com are clearly false.
When Baker Rides the T...
By BostonDog
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:03pm
He'll take it on a sunny weekday afternoon from Arlington to Park St and then compliment the T on how they are doing a good job and complains about the system must be overblown.
Arlington to Park? That's
By Saul
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:10pm
Arlington to Park? That's asking for trouble. How about Arlington to Boylston?
Better just bypass Boylston altogether.
By tape
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:34pm
Can't have the Governor hearing all that screeching going around the tight corner.
Image reconditioning
By Belmont
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:06pm
My understanding is that Baker comes across as a wealthy businessman - and that's unsurprising. I would LOVE to see him promise to take the T EVERY day for say - 6 months - and see what happens. Yes, I remember Mike D. doing just that and I think he still does on occasion - it was unremarkable for him - but for Baker to even attempt to connect with the "everyday" people - I would practically fall over reading a blog that focused on that.
Did you also request Patrick
By Patricia
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:19pm
Did you also request Patrick take the T ever day?
Just curious as it seems people are expecting this of Baker but never expected it of Patrick.
The Reason Why
By BostonDog
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:45pm
Patrick was fully in support of the T from the beginning. He and his administration tried very hard to expand the system for better or worst. So that might be why people think of Patrick as being "Pro MBTA" whereas Baker who refused to even call MBTA HQ during the storms and generally has said they need to fix their own problems could be seen as "Anti MBTA"
People change and Baker just took office so perhaps he'll fix the problem. But so far everything he's done points to cutting services perhaps drastically. He sees the T as a liability not an asset.
Visits?
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 2:03pm
How about trying to get to work or anywhere on time, via the T, like the average rider?
This is the moment to make it happen
By HenryAlan
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:55pm
The report is going to say a few things, most of which will require spending money. I know this, because there have already been two such commissions, and there reports said the same thing. Baker has an opportunity to push the spending through, because right now it's foremost in everybody's mind that the system is broken. When the former reports came out, nobody was paying attention, and people were mostly accommodating of a limping but mostly functional system. This time needs to be different.
Somewhat ironically, I
By DTP
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:58pm
Somewhat ironically, I watched this press conference while waiting for a train at north station.
Anyone else note the conspicuous absence of ANYONE from the MBTA at this press conference?
And of course, typical government. More bureaucracy is always the answer!
My favorite part
By Ami
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 2:28pm
Commission was asked if they rode the T - Baker turned around and a sad bunch of suits all scrambled. Might should get someone who actually rides the publication transportation to be part of the commission unless they are afraid the T will make them late for all the commission meetings.
I'll give Shirley Leung credit.
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:59pm
She raised the idea that the $1b bond issue planned for the Convention Center should be cancelled and a $1B bond should be issued for the MBTA instead. I can't imagine that $1b spent on the MBTA wouldn't have economic benefits well above $1b on the BCC. However, the BCC folks appear to be political geniuses, unlike the MBTA folks, so I suspect this won't happen.
Disclaimer - I am not a finance person so I may be referring to the mechanics of bonds, the state and these two entities incorrectly. I know it's not the same as simply moving $1b from one budget pool into another. The concept that the state should back further debt to fix this critical piece of the regional infrastructure vs. a local, limited economic sector is the key idea.
Jon 1 should be for the
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 12:59pm
Jon 1 should be for the commission, Baker and Deleo to read the D'Alessandro report made a few years ago. Then move from there, don't start over.
Charlie is a coward not a leader
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:04pm
"We need to know what the problems are" says Charlie. So we will appoint a commission to study it again for the umpteenth time and he'll be dropping in to see some T stations (but not actually waiting for, and riding the T).
And don't forget. No new taxes. How about new taxes if we need them, none if we don't. What a total fraud.
Chuck you Farlie
He has good reason not to ride the T
By SwirlyGrrl
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:08pm
They may trap him ... FOREVER ... neath the streets of Boston.
Did Patrick ride the T
By Markk02474
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 2:40pm
From his home in western Mass? Hint: the state is more than metro-Boston.
Deval Patrick lives in Milton
By Pallykin
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:11pm
Deval Patrick lives in Milton. Hardly western Mass.
His official residence is in Milton, yes
By adamg
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 5:10pm
But he has a house in the Berkshires, too.
Of course it isn't
By Neal
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:26pm
But it is Metro Boston that's footing much of the bill for the rest of the state. Chapter 90 funds pay to grade or pave and maintain the roads in, say, Charlemont, Hancock and Florida, etc at a cost that's probably far exceeds the amounts residents of those towns contribute. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just how it is.
petition
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:08pm
can we please change the state motto to "Chuck you Farlie"? because I have been lolin for a solid 5 minutes.
I like Bakers response. Why
By Patricia
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:23pm
I like Bakers response. Why is the first knee jerk reaction "more taxes".
In case you haven't noticed, the middle class is really quite strained at this point.
How about some fare hikes? How about some creative thinking? How about a complete audit of the system? How about look at the D'Alessandro report?.
No, lets jump on the middle class first. Considering most people in the state don't take the T, don't even live near the T. Ya, it's going to go over real well.
Considering most people in
By Saul
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:35pm
Care to back up that second claim with some numbers? What's "near"? How many residents of Massachusetts live within, say, a mile of a T stop or station?
Yeah
By MattyC
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 4:03pm
... Math is hard, you know...
Population of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts : ~6.75 million, or thereabouts.
Population of the Boston Metro area : ~4.7 million (both stats via wikipedia)
Does not a minority make... But why let facts get in the way of a good argument.
US Census data to the rescue!
By Markk02474
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 4:29pm
Generally the data used to determine what transit modes make up what percentage of transportation is from US Census data, and in particular the travel mode to work survey results:
http://www.census.gov/hhes/commuting/
Living near the T would be another data set.
Fare hikes
By AllstonHipster
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 4:59pm
You don't think fare hikes will impact the middle class? Those rate hikes will hit their wallets pretty hard, and kneecap the working poor who rely on the T to get to and from work.
With all due respect...
By whyaduck
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 5:20pm
I pay close to $200 per month for my T-Pass and I have one of the cheaper monthly passes! There have been steady fare hikes over the years.
I would like to see some other types of creative thinking.
Here is a link to the D'Allesandro Report
By JT
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 5:44pm
This is only 36 pages long and quite thorough. It seems to me that a new report is not necessary at all. I recommend that everyone here, as well as the Governor, read it.
http://www.mbtareview.com/MBTA_Review_2009.pdf
We HAD a group make do a study & make recommendations -- in 2009
By mleccese
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 7:12pm
I'm glad you posted the link to the MBTA Advisory Board report. It is nonpartisan, clearly written, provides and explains data on finances and makes recommendations. The "deep dig" Baker wants was done six years ago and just a Google search away. Even Jim Stergios of The Pioneer Institute linked to it in the PI blog recommend above.
lots of options
By bibliotequetres...
Sat, 02/21/2015 - 5:05pm
Patricia, we can increase income taxes on the highest, leaving the middle & upper middle class alone. Or we could increase sales tax on alcohol. Or the restaurant tax. Or find any number of ways of increasing revenue without hurting the middle class.
Another Commission - just what we need Charlie...
By whyaduck
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:10pm
I do so hope he plans on visiting South and North Stations very soon. I, for one, would love, just love to have a chat with him as I wait and wait for my commuter rail train home. I could tell him right now what the problems are since he appears to need help.
We know about the long term problems regarding the system but Baker and Keolis have to come up with short term solutions to get more commuter rail trains on the tracks. I heard Baker and his team are waiting for Keolis to submit their "recovery plan" before they take action. Can't some of these men and women meet around a table, get a nice lunch, and have a brainstorming session now in regards to getting more trains on the rails?
This would a bad comedy if the situation was not so dire.
Charlie did respond to a debt question about a week ago
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:14pm
He dismissed it by saying that the Big Dig debt that he (and others) dumped on the T represented "only a third" of the T's total debt.
So there. Problem solved.
notable omission?
By tape
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:36pm
how much of the current debt is interest on the Big Dig debt?
debt payments
By John-W
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 1:48pm
For 2015: $240,945,845 in interest payments and $178,695,803 in principal payments. Don't have a breakdown on how much was Big Dig versus the original debt they were carrying versus any other subsequent debt they've taken on.
As long as we're reading the Pioneer Institute's take on things, here's a brief angle from the other side via Truthout.
Right, the hapless T tried to
By anon
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 3:19pm
Right, the hapless T tried to fund the debt with interest rate swaps (which they did not understand) and lost even more money.
Extrapolated
By Stevil
Fri, 02/20/2015 - 4:40pm
Baker said about 1/3 - which means $80 million - or 4% of the overall budget. That sounds about right because elsewhere I read the amount was $3.3 Billion - at a bit less than 3% - about the going rate - that's $80 million.
Bottom line - that's clearly not even remotely the reason that the T is broke and broken.
Pages
Add comment