On June26, 2009, the Governor Patrick signs a bill to dramatically reform the transformation system. The law is widely hailed as one of the largest governmental reorganizations for it eliminates the antiquated and inefficient transportation structure in Massachusetts while saving billions of dollars for the Commonwealth. The law creates a new transportation super-agency - Mass DOT, which responsible for almost all roads, bridges and tunnels in the state.
Although some Medias criticize the merger as an administrative nightmare, I do support it for the fundamental goal of the bill: to simplify, reform and make more accountable the entire transportation system in Massachusetts. Admittedly, I am not familiar with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, but I am always frustrated by MBTA, which means the cumbersome and inefficient transportation system. Standing in the cold wind for more than 20 minutes, late for the class and catching a cold, all of these are due to the inefficiency of MBTA. I can’t stand it any more. It’s time to reform the system right away.
However, I am a rational person. Undoubtedly, the law faces several hard and urgent tasks. First and foremost, how much on earth can be saved in future? The Senate President and Co-Chairman said efficiencies produced by the agency would save the state $6.2 billion over the next 20 years. However, Jeffrey Mullan, the new secretary of transportation, downgraded that claim. He said the number including the aligning health and welfare benefits in the RadioBoston on Nov.6. In his perspective, overall savings are likely to be $1 billion dollars over the next 20 years-- but even those savings are uncertain. James Aloisi, the Former Mass. Executive Office of Transportation Secretary, put forward the idea that the best thing of reform bill is not money saving but the great integration.
Another task worth mentioning is how to fix the great funding gap. The bill faces an estimated $15 to $19 billion funding gap in the next 20 years to maintain the current network of roads, bridges and transit for safe, reliable service. Governor Patrick settled on a gasoline tax increase on February. However, the history proves the gas tax making less value since 1991. Under these circumstances, the governor suggested to promote a “Vehicle Miles Traveled” system, which has already been tested in Oregon instead of the gas tax. Nevertheless, just as Jeffrey Mullan said, I doubt whether the system also apply to the Massachusetts. It is too far away to make a prediction.
In addition, it comes into being under a cloud of controversy over Mass DOT governing board. The bill mandates that members of this board possess transportation policy experience, transportation finance experience, and one certified engineer. Janice Loux has none. John Jenkins has none. This is a slap in the face of the legislature and one that calls for a response. Some specialists predicted the board could potentially “doom” transportation reform.
Taking into consideration all the above-mentioned factors, my point of view is explicit – only resolving the funding gap, making a clear prediction of VMT and reorganizing the governing board could the reform bill abolish the turnpike and finally help secure the commonwealth’s economic future.
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