What is the Boston Region MPO’s Vision Zero Action Plan?
The Boston Region MPO was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant by the United States Department of Transportation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop a Regional Vision Zero Action Plan. This is a unique opportunity for the region to invest more than $2.5 million to create an Action Plan focused on eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the Boston area. Vision Zero is an internationally recognized strategy to eliminate all transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. The Boston Region MPO’s Vision Zero Action plan will set the roadmap for achieving the MPO’s Vision Zero goal and unlock implementation funding opportunities for municipalities.
Why Vision Zero?
During the five-year period between 2016 and 2020, 543 people were killed and nearly 4,800 more were seriously injured in motor vehicle-related crashes in Boston Region MPO municipalities. People walking and biking suffered approximately 35 percent of the fatalities and 22 percent of the serious injuries. In 2021 and 2022, motor vehicle-related fatalities have climbed to 132 and 140, respectively, per year, up from approximately 100 fatalities in each of the four years between 2017 and 2020.
These trends are unacceptable. In the Destination 2050 long-range plan, the Boston Region MPO envisions a transportation system that is safe for all users, with zero transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. The Vision Zero Action Plan will create the framework for realizing that vision.
Why a regional plan?
While many municipalities have already made great strides towards vision zero, roadway safety does not end at municipal borders. Creating a safer transportation system for the region requires planning and collaboration on a regional scale. The MPO’s long-range planning and capital investments throughout the region—as well as additional federal funding opportunities—will be guided by the Vision Zero Action Plan, supporting municipalities as they address local safety issues.
How can I get involved?
Engage with the MPO during plan development
There are many opportunities to participate in the development of the Vision Zero Action Plan. The MPO will engage municipalities throughout this project to share information and solicit feedback, and welcomes ideas for partnership.
Visit bostonmpo.org/visionzero to learn more about this work and apply to join the Task Force.
Join the Task Force
The Vision Zero Task Force will bring together stakeholders to help shape the Action Plan. To ensure the Task Force includes a diverse set of stakeholders, the Boston Region MPO has created a short application, which is accessible through the QR code.
Contact Rebecca Morgan, Director of Projects and Partnerships, at rmorgan@ctps.org or 857.702.3683 for more information.