Modernizing Transportation

Transportation generates approximately 37% of emissions in Massachusetts – the largest source in the state. Decades of underfunding have left the MBTA unreliable and underutilized. We need more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road as well as safe and reliable public transit and expanded walking and biking infrastructure. By investing in electrified transportation solutions, we can reduce emissions, make communities healthier, and drive our state’s competitiveness.  

We at ELM advocate for: 

• Robust, predictable, and sustainable funding for transit agencies across the Commonwealth to increase ridership and expand electrification.  

• Aligning state capital investments in transportation with our climate goals and including mitigation where necessary. 

• Commuter Rail and bus electrification, particularly on routes that serve environmental justice communities and Gateway Cities.   

• Expansive EV charging infrastructure to facilitate zero-emission vehicle adoption and travel in communities across the Commonwealth and the region. 

• Empowering municipalities and private operators to decarbonize their fleets and deploy related charging infrastructure. 

• Improved planning and incentives to encourage emissions-reducing mode shift, ensuring that taking mass transit, biking, and walking are attractive alternatives to travel in fossil fuel-powered passenger vehicles.