Wednesday, February 4, 2015

BOSTON’s Sub- HUBS

The neighborhoods of Boston are waking up to the exciting new prospects of networked transit.  This month a group of concerned citizens and Boston’s Transportation Director will meet with Bill James, the main force behind Jpods.  This may inspire the MBTA to think in a networked way.

Boston Back Bay streets are traffic-tamed and pedestrian friendly. Could a pod hub be retrofitted in?


Boston, Cambridge and other communities are inventing mobility futures in the age of Zipcars, Bridj and Uber.  Midway through the second decade of the 21st century -- it is time to rethink public infrastructure policies. That means primarily but not exclusively transportation, and it is clear to that our future should be free of fossil fuels.

How far out can Boston envision a next-gen transit network? Is 2020 too soon? Or is it better to think to 2030 and work backwards to determine the first phase?

What Neighborhood Hubs for the Hub?

Where should stations or simpler “mobility hubs” be? Where in your neighborhood is the best site for a mobility “portal” that interfaces with existing MBTA and commuter rail stations?

Boston neighborhoods have many
architectural gems.


What destinations in Dorchester, Roxbury, JP, Fenway-Longwood  and Kenmore should be part of a network 2030?  Should it extend further to Brighton, Forest Hill? South Boston? Will Brookline and Cambridge join in for a larger look at “Boston-as-Hub”?


Judeth van Hamm and her varied team are opening important dialogs with those who commune in these districts.  She and Bill James both integrate solar power collection and use into their designs.