Boston

MBTA Bus

MBTA Announces Improved Bus Frequencies, Redesigned Route Map in Boston

A large system redesign is nearing implementation in and around Boston, but the new system map will require more drivers than the MBTA currently employs.

November 21, 2022 - The Boston Globe

Bunker Hill, Charlestown

Tracking Boston’s Emissions Reduction Progress

The Boston Foundation published the “Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report” earlier this month. Other U.S. cities should follow their lead.

November 10, 2022 - The Boston Foundation

White house with For Sale and SOLD sign

Housing Out of Reach as Costs and Mortgage Rates Rise

The monthly costs—mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance—of a typical low-end home in the Boston region has reached $3,600 a month. A typical home costs $5,000 a month.

November 7, 2022 - Boston Indicators

Boston street with four-story bricks buildings

Boston Unveils Green Infrastructure Plan

The city will start by redesigning curb extensions to incorporate elements that improve flood prevention and stormwater management.

October 30, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Boston Aerial

Boston ‘Mansion Tax’ Could Raise Millions for Affordable Housing

A tax on luxury property sales is stalled in the state legislature, causing the city to miss out on millions in potential tax revenue.

October 25, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up  of wooden beehive with bees flying in and out

A Sweet Deal: Zoning for Honeybees

A Boston ordinance could make it easier for residents to take up urban beekeeping.

October 10, 2022 - The Boston Globe

Orange Line platform with woman waiting with suitcases, Boston, Massachusetts

Lessons from Boston’s Orange Line Shutdown

A month-long shutdown of one of the region’s busiest lines prompted the city to experiment with temporary bus lanes, reoriented streets, and free bikeshare.

October 6, 2022 - Governing

Aerial view of East Boston shoreline

Study To Assess Climate Mitigation Options for East Boston

A grant-funded research team will evaluate solutions for shoring up the area’s flood protection strategies and improving access and service on the Blue Line for local residents.

October 4, 2022 - Streetsblog Massachusetts

Brutalism

Zoning Board of Appeals Overhaul One Step Toward Approval Process Reform in Boston

Mayor Wu recently overhauled the makeup of Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but bigger changes will be necessary to depoliticize the city’s development approvals process.

October 2, 2022 - The Boston Globe

Orange Line train pulling into station with one woman waiting to board in Boston, Massachusetts

When Transit-Oriented Development Is Missing the ‘Transit’

Cities, residents, and developers have a renewed interest in building more housing near transit stations—when they actually provide safe, reliable transit.

September 21, 2022 - Boston Globe

Woman on bicycle in protected bike lane on Boston bridge

Boston Launches Ambitious Bike Plan

The city plans to dramatically expand its bike lane network, add to its bike share fleet, and provide new e-bike subsidies to residents.

September 16, 2022 - Streetsblog Mass

An MBTA Orange Line train bound for Oak Grove waits at a station.

Feds Intervene in Boston’s Transit Troubles

The Federal Transit Administration issued a scathing review of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s performance last week, ordering major changes at the Boston area’s transportation agency.

September 4, 2022 - WBUR

Massachusetts

Boston Will Urge Developers to Provide Diversity Disclosures

Stopping short of a mandate, the city plans to request that developers provide information about diversity and inclusion on their teams.

August 22, 2022 - The Boston Globe

Boston Aerial

Boston Plans To Restrict Fossil Fuel Use in Buildings

As part of the city’s broader climate goals, Mayor Michelle Wu wants to require all new buildings to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.

August 18, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Commuter Rail

To Save or Not to Save the MBTA?

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?

August 5, 2022 - Boston.com

Boston Subway T

Opinion: Funding The T Should Be a Massachusetts State Priority

With ridership revenue still lagging and fatal incidents plaguing the Boston-area transit agency, one writer argues that state lawmakers must step in to fund upgrades for the aging system.

July 26, 2022 - WBUR Cognoscenti

Boston Bus

Free Transit Is Not a Silver Bullet

Cities around the country are embracing free fares to lure riders back to public transit, but the ridership recovery continues to sputter.

June 19, 2022 - Politico

Allston Interchange

$1.2 Billion in Federal Funding Sought for Boston-Area Road Project

The city of Boston and Massachusetts Department of Transportation have applied to a $5 billion federal grant program aimed at ‘unusually large and complex projects.’

May 31, 2022 - Streetsblog Mass

A map showing the route of a light rail transit line from Boston up through Somerville and Medford.

Long Awaited Green Line Extension Opens Today North of Boston

The Green Line Extension project, in the works for decades, is now providing rail transit service from Boston north into Somerville.

March 21, 2022 - Boston.com

MBTA Bus

Boston Aims for Fare-Free Transit

The city's new mayor wants to see fare-free transit funded as a public good throughout the Boston region.

March 16, 2022 - The Washington Post

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