Massachusetts Residents Support Alternative Transportation Funding Plans Amid Federal Uncertainty
With federal funding for transportation hanging in the balance, a recent poll reveals that a significant majority of Massachusetts residents believe the state needs a backup funding strategy. Conducted by the MassINC Polling Group on behalf of Transportation for Massachusetts, the survey indicates that 59% of respondents are concerned about the potential loss of federal support if the Trump administration succeeds in freezing funding to states.
Reggie Ramos, executive director of Transportation for Massachusetts, emphasized the need for a proactive and sustainable transportation strategy, stating, “We can’t take for granted that the federal dollars we’ve relied on will always be there.” As state lawmakers deliberate Governor Maura Healey’s $62 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, concerns about the dependency on federal funding are mounting. The budget heavily relies on billions from Washington for various essential services, including transportation.
Several alternative funding methods are gaining traction among residents. Approximately 48% expressed support for studying Boston-style congestion pricing, while 51% favored replacing the gas tax with a mileage-based fee. Additionally, 52% backed implementing tolls for electric vehicles to ensure their contributions to road maintenance, and 57% supported raising registration fees based on vehicle weight.
Concerns about the state’s transportation infrastructure are pronounced, with 45% rating the system as "fair" and 24% deeming it "poor." Many residents worry about the system’s resilience in the face of natural disasters, with 59% fearing it could struggle to withstand significant events.
The poll highlights that transportation insecurity affects nearly one in three residents, with younger individuals and those earning less than $50,000 disproportionately impacted. As Massachusetts navigates an uncertain funding landscape, calls for innovative and equitable transportation funding solutions continue to grow.
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