TRANSPORTATION
Studies have shown that Boston has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
As policymakers, we must focus on solutions that are successful and don’t have adverse impacts on our neighborhoods.
Transportation policy must acknowledge the diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods and population. For example, the transit needs for a senior in Mattapan buying groceries is far different than a 24-year old in Allston going out to dinner. Similarly, a parent with a toddler travels differently than someone without children.
That is why as City Councilor,
I will advocate for the following transportation solutions:
Immediately halt all new bike lane construction in Boston. Bike infrastructure is important, but we must also acknowledge that many streets in Boston are not suitable for bike lanes. I, like so many others, have heard frustration over tens of millions of dollars being spent on bike lanes that are underutilized and actually worsen traffic congestion.
Stop the creation of a center bus lane on Blue Hill Avenue. The community is strongly opposed to this, and its downsides outweigh its benefits.
Demand significantly greater enforcement for delivery drivers on scooters, e-bikes, and motorcycles. Wrong-way driving, cutting through parks, and refusal to follow traffic laws have endangered pedestrians and demands immediate resolution.
Dispatch traffic enforcement units of the Boston Police Department to direct traffic at our busiest intersections during rush hour traffic. Let’s use a common-sense approach to alleviate congestion at some of Boston’s worst traffic chokepoints.
Pilot flashing light crosswalk technology. Many other parts of the country use crosswalks with signs that light up when the WALK button is pushed. This alerts drivers of pedestrians, making crossing safer and reduces jaywalking.
Advocate for a BPS assignment and transportation system that works. Currently, Boston taxpayers pay over $171 million annually, sending half-filled buses of kids to schools across the city. A reformed student assignment system could get dozens of buses off of the street and redirect tens of millions of dollars into classrooms.
Restrict tour buses during peak rush hour. Tourism is an important part of Boston’s economy, however, nobody, drivers nor tourists want to get stuck in gridlock traffic downtown. By simply restricting tour buses between the hours of 4:30-6:00pm on weekdays, we can make a meaningful reduction on congestion.
Target UBER and Lyft scofflaw drivers. We’ve all been in the back of an UBER that completely disregards traffic safety — making a U-turn on a major thoroughfare or blowing through crosswalks — frankly, because they are from another city or town. Ridesharing is an important part of our current transportation system, but we need to send a message loud and clear that Boston’s traffic laws must be obeyed.
Encourage cross-agency collaboration to make public transit safer. MBTA bus and subway riders must feel safe when utilizing these modes of transportation. I will identify ways that the City of Boston can team up with the MBTA to ensure communication and collaboration that keep our stations and vehicles safe for everyone.
As a lifelong Bostonian with over a decade and a half of experience in City government, I know Boston. I understand its neighborhoods and the unique needs of its residents, especially as it relates to transportation.
By combining common sense and technology, we can ease traffic congestion and make our streets and sidewalks safer for all.