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Metro Boston and Massachusetts need to develop significant additional resources to support the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the region’s transportation system.  Increased and diversified revenue streams are necessary to address the $15 to $19 billion shortfall that the Commonwealth faces over the coming 20 years, just to maintain the existing transportation system.  Support is also needed for the expansions, enhancements, and transportation alternatives necessary to support the region’s economy, environment, and quality of life.  There is no single solution that will close the state’s funding gap and provide the resources to create new infrastructure.  The region and the state need to develop diversified revenue sources that include increased fuel taxes, strategic application of user fees and tolls, transit fares, and local revenue generation.  

Institutional reform is also critical, since each dollar saved through reform increases the amount available for maintenance, operation, and expansion.  Of paramount importance is stabilization of MBTA finances to reduce that agency’s crushing debt burden and control the amount of money spent on health care and pensions.  Reforms throughout the state’s transportation agencies can also help to control costs.  For example, MassHighway must end the practice of paying for personnel and operating expenses through bonded funds, where they are paid off at a higher cost over a period of 20 years or more.  Comprehensive asset management and efficient project delivery are critical for making the most of limited transportation funds, and are described in other sections of this Strategy.  

Other innovative financial mechanisms can support a more robust transportation system.  Local or regional revenue generation through taxes or fees would provide municipalities with additional flexibility and control over their own infrastructure needs, would promote greater coordination between local land use decisions and transportation, and would bolster the overall transportation system.  

17)    Increase statewide transportation revenue generation

18)    Stabilize and strengthen finances of the MBTA and regional Transit authorities

19)    Implement tolling strategies to reduce congestion and raise revenue

20)    Eliminate agency-level inefficiencies and redundancy

21)    Increase local and regional revenue generation for transportation

22)    Maintain fares as a significant source of revenue for the MBTA and regional transit authorities