TransitMatters

2024 was tough for MBTA riders. The T asked a lot from us while shutting down each line for repairs. However, the T successfully removed all slow zones!* Throughout last year, our Labs team monitored the T’s progress in eliminating slow zones and analyzed the system after each major shutdown. Last month, the team compiled the data into a single blog post, which you can read here: https://lnkd.in/eXAzXp8P *We swear, "0 slow zones" was true when we finalized the blog post! But this morning, our Slow Zone Bot caught a new slow zone, Central → Harvard. Unfortunately, slow zones will continue to pop up, but General Manager Eng said the T won't let them linger for months. We'll track how long it takes for the T to fix Central → Harvard again.

ICYMI: Last week, we released a report with Boston Indicators about the benefits of adding housing density near public transportation! We celebrated with a panel discussion with our friends at Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Abundant Housing MA, and Greater Greater Washington. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/epfwqUER

From Everett to Milton, we all want an affordable place to live and easy ways to get around. In our newest report with Boston Indicators, we explore how housing density near public transportation can create thriving, diverse communities. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gt4Q7maZ

"By aligning housing and transit policies, Greater Boston can stabilize housing costs, improve transit reliability, reduce car dependency, and make progress toward its climate goals. Pursuing transit-supportive density builds on the region’s strengths and lays the foundation for a more connected, equitable, and resilient future." Written in partnership by Boston Indicators and TransitMatters, Transit-Supportive Density in Greater Boston is a new report that explores the supportive relationship between housing density near effective transit, and highlights some of our region's opportunities to craft a stronger ecosystem. Read the report here: https://bit.ly/4hgqIzI

We combined our transit expertise with Boston Indicators' housing expertise to explore how transit-supportive density can help address rising housing costs, residential segregation, and other issues. Join us next week for a report launch event! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ep8MA5-6

Next month, our Executive Director Jarred Johnson will step aside to pursue a new career opportunity. While we are sad to see him go, we are grateful for his leadership over the past six years and are excited for him as he embarks on a new phase in his career. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/eS4cUjFa

🚍💡 The People's Caravan - Off the Rails: Addressing Fiscal Shortfalls 🚍💡 Join us January 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for an essential conversation about the future of public transit in Massachusetts. We’ll explore what’s needed to strengthen transit systems across the state— from Regional Transit Authorities to the MBTA and micro-transit— and how they can better serve Black, brown, low-income, and working-class communities. Featuring Sofia Owens of Alternatives for Community and Environment, Jarred Johnson of TransitMatters, and Stacy Thompson, this discussion will focus on how public transit decisions shape lives and drive equity. Let’s work together for a more connected and equitable transit future https://lnkd.in/ec7bXHH2 #T4MA #transportationforma #transportationformassachusetts #TransitEquity #SustainableMobility #MassachusettsTransit

TransitMatters staff wishes you happy holidays and a happy new year! 🌟 We'll see you in 2025!

Over the past year, the Transit Is Essential coalition gathered to understand what MA residents want for their transportation systems. This report, backed by 40+ organizations, calls for a shift in how we fund transportation. We provide a roadmap for fair, sustainable, and community-centered transportation funding, shaped by extensive grassroots input and real-world insights from across the state. Read what we have to say here: https://lnkd.in/eJSyj3jN

Reminder: The first phase of Bus Network Redesign goes into effect on Sunday!