Some lawmakers and residents think the management of Boston transit should shift to the state’s department of transportation, but would that solve the troubled system’s problems?

According to a Boston.com article by Zipporah Osei, Massachusetts state leaders are considering disbanding Boston’s beleaguered transit agency and shift the system to the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
A Boston.com reader survey found that many residents agree. “Although we have been told that MBTA management has a plan, it appears that every day they are responding to another major incident. I believe that fresh management is needed and the best thing to do at this point is to combine the MBTA with MassDOT,” said Brittany from Roslindale.
“Some readers, however, are skeptical of the state agency’s ability to take on the needs of the MBTA.” As one reader notes, “The MBTA isn’t a statewide concern. People in the Berkshires don’t care if it works. If it’s merged into MassDOT, it’ll quickly become an unwanted stepchild and the quality will decline further.”
Multiple readers suggest that the problem at the heart of the MBTA’s dysfunction is funding. “Increased funding for maintenance. Politicians always want to fund new projects so they can have photos at ribbon cuttings. Maintenance is more important but has fewer photo ops,” said reader Amy P.
FULL STORY: ‘MBTA needs to go’: Here’s why readers say the agency can’t be saved

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.

Op-Ed: Looking for Efficiency? Fund Intercity Buses
Much less expensive than rail, intercity buses serve millions of Americans every year, but public subsidies are lacking.
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