Improving public transit in Boston: the Big Dig is not nearly as close to being finished as the media would have us believe.

The state government is required to make major improvements to Boston's public transit system as part of the project.

When the Big Dig was originally proposed, CLF threatened to sue the Commonwealth under the Clean Air Act. CLF argued that the increased traffic in downtown Boston would generate an enormous increase in air pollution, in violation of the Act's mandatory State Implementation Plan. In a settlement with CLF, the Commonwealth agreed to enhance public transportation to offset the impacts of the Big Dig and CLF agreed to drop its lawsuit.

CLF hoped that a more robust and easily accessible public transit system would encourage people to drive less within the city and surrounding towns. CLF also wanted to ensure better service for low-income communities that had been historically underserved by public transportation.

To date, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has completed a number of important transit projects, but many critical enhancements have fallen behind schedule. CLF continues to push the Commonwealth to make good on its commitments.

Green Line Extension

The MBTA has committed to extend the Green Line through Somerville into Medford with 3 or 4 proposed stops including one in Ball Square. Somerville nearly borders Boston and is the most densely populated city in Massachusetts. But today, there is only one subway stop while two commuter rail lines run through the city without stopping. Somerville also endured major traffic impacts during the Big Dig's construction phase. It is time for the city to receive its fair share of public transit.

Boston/Worcester Commuter Rail

A new commuter rail line between Worcester and Boston finally connects these major cities. Thousands of people ride this rail line everyday, getting many cars off the road. Easing the commute to and from Worcester and points west has helped revitalize the Commonwealth's second largest city.

Urban Ring

Because Boston's subway system is designed primarily to move people in and out of the city along radial spokes that meet in the downtown Hub, trips from spoke to spoke can be long and uncomfortable. The Urban Ring is a proposed circular transit line that would enable commuters to traverse the city without passing through crowded downtown stations. The MBTA was...