Legislature Hears Testimony on Gas Tax Bills

MASSPIRG seeks increased revenue for public transportation

MASSPIRG

Boston, MA – The Joint Committee on Revenue heard testimony today in support of an increase in the gas tax.  MASSPIRG is calling on the legislature to increase revenue in order to fund transportation.

“We need to invest in public transportation and fix our crumbling roads and bridges,” said MASSPIRG Staff Attorney Lizzi Weyant.  “Our transportation budget crisis must be addressed in order to create the kind of 21st century transportation system that Bay State residents need and want.”

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (the T) is currently $8 billion in debt, and has billions of dollars of deferred maintenance needs.  Without an increase in revenue for the T, the agency will be forced to make a Hobson’s choice between offering service, and maintaining a safe and affordable public transportation system. 

“People across the Commonwealth are clamoring for more public transportation.  Public transportation takes drivers off the road, reduces our dependence on oil, and reduces traffic delays,” said Weyant.  “Now is the time to invest so that we can increase ridership and transportation options across the entire Commonwealth.”

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