BOSTON BREAK-UP

Like most states across the US, Massachusetts is in fiscal crisis. Infrastructure needs are especially great after a tough winter in Boston. Revenues are short, and few funds are coming from Washington.

The “T” (Boston’s transit agency, the MBTA) is especially hard hit. Unions are worried that worker well-being is at risk with as new Republican governor sets out a new political agenda.

What future for taxi drivers?
And train conductor?

Applications for cab drivers are down. They are up for Uber. So taxi owners and drivers anxiously watch as a rewriting of state and municipal regulations for taxi, limousines and related public conveyances take place. Complicating this volatile mix, Bridj is expanding app-accessed bus service throughout the historic Hub of the Universe. Meanwhile, MIT hums with new technology ideas.

Several state senators are excited about mobility innovation for the Commonwealth. Hearing PRT pitches from Jpods, they say they are ready to take a fresh look at new options and move ahead. 

Boston Strong; Boston First

Boston, Cambridge and other Bay State boosters brag that the very notion of independent local government began there. There may be historical validity to the claim that Massachusetts set the mould for many states and towns across the US.

Boston certainly had a prominent role in thinking through and catalyzing the War of Independence from King George. In fact, in Boston today tourists visit a replica of the ship from which tea from England was dumped into the harbor, launching armed conflict that broke us off from royal tyranny!

Well respected environmental activist, planning visionary and Jpods fan Judeth van Hamm points to many Massachusetts transportation firsts. The first steamboat churned up the mighty Hudson River in New York State, but the first steamboat service was in the Bay State in 1818.  At the end of the nineteenth century, electrification of a railroad to Hull and Boston’s underground light rail, now the Green Line, were US firsts.

Under Harvard Square 20th century subway and trolleybus
 interstect. What for the 21st?

During the auto-drunk twentieth century, Massachusetts was the first to embrace a circumferential highway -- Route 128, re-designated I-95, encircling Boston and dominating suburban life.

2015 Steps

Alden (Morgantown) and Raytheon made for podcar innovation place in Massachusetts in the second half of last century. But no new modal infrastructure was built, and Harvard thinkers shunned the idea, advising that the best thing to do about congestion is to not worry about it. Now new Massachusetts moves are coming forth. A Jpods mockup will be on display in Boston May 19 as part of meetings with Boston officials.

For more info, contact Judeth at one@hullportside.net.