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Don Berwick on Technology |
"Depending on which report you read, we may be $15 billion behind in maintenance," said Berwick. "We need to put money into our roads and rails and bridges. We're approaching the edge of service limitations that are hurting our economy."
"Beyond that, I'm really excited about the innovations we could have, like 'smart streets' which are ways to give buses more responsive routes," said Berwick. "I'd nurture public transportation, resist fare increases, improve schedules in regional transit, and look for more high speed rail opportunities."
"Massachusetts deserves a safe, convenient, responsive and reliable transportation system--one we can count on. We will have that if, and only if, we treat the system with respect, like we would our own car," Berwick said. "That means making prudent, regular investments that create jobs, improve safety and begin to make up for decades of chronic neglect."
In regards to the question of whether projects will be paid for by new taxes or mass transit fare increases, Berwick pledged that he would work with legislators to find other ways to come up with revenue. Additionally, he said that the gas tax increase instituted under Gov. Deval Patrick that took effect in July "may be necessary in the current environment, but it is not our future."
The candidate also said that deferred maintenance has led to increased repair costs for many roads and bridges and putting off investments in regional transit authorities has led to inadequate hours of operations.
"It's 'pay now or pay more later,' and as governor I will support smart, focused and equitable investment. We know that investing in transportation is a win-win for our economy and our commonwealth," Berwick said. "Upgrading transportation puts people to work. Evidence is clear that transportation investment in MA supports 1000s of jobs each year.
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