Chapter 10 – Summary of Recommendations to Address Transportation Needs

introduction

As presented in previous chapters, the Destination 2040 Needs Assessment establishes the transportation needs for the Boston region by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) goal area. Chapters 4 through 9 detail the transportation needs as follows:

• Chapter 4—Safety
• Chapter 5—System Preservation and Modernization
• Chapter 6—Capacity Management and Mobility
• Chapter 7—Clean Air and Sustainable Communities
• Chapter 8—Transportation Equity
• Chapter 9—Economic Vitality

Each chapter listed above includes a table that summarizes the transportation needs identified through data analysis and public outreach. Each of those tables also include recommendations to address each need. The recommendations listed in those tables are described below in more detail and were also used by the MPO to identify projects and programs for the MPO’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The potential studies identified in each chapter were also considered for inclusion in the MPO’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). This chapter provides a summary of recommendations and details each of the recommendations outlined in Chapters 4 through 9.

Summary of Recommendations

This section summarizes the MPO staff’s recommendations by type (existing or potential program, existing or potential study, or other action) and identifies the MPO goal areas that relate to each recommendation.

• Table 10-1 summarizes the existing investment programs in the MPO’s current LRTP, Charting Progress to 2040, and TIP that were identified in each of the goal area chapters listed above to address specific transportation needs. It also includes existing technical assistance programs that are in the MPO’s UPWP.
• Table 10-2 summarizes potential investment and technical assistance programs to be considered for implementation by the MPO in the Destination 2040 LRTP.
• Table 10-3 summarizes the existing MPO studies that are currently underway or planned studies, research, and analyses included in the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2019 UPWP that address transportation needs identified in this Needs Assessment.
• Table 10-4 summarizes potential studies to be considered by the MPO in future UPWPs. These study ideas were included in the Universe of Studies used for the development of the FFY 2020 UPWP.
• Table 10-5 summarizes other actions that the MPO could take to address the identified needs in this document.

As previously mentioned, the recommendations identified were used to guide MPO discussions on the selection of projects and programs for Destination 2040 LRTP, which will be implemented in future TIPs. It was also used to identify studies for the MPO’s UPWP.

Table 10-1
Existing Programs in the LRTP, TIP and/or UPWP

LRTP = Long-Range Transportation Plan. MassDOT = Massachusetts Department of Transportation. MPO = Metropolitan Planning Organization. TIP = Transportation Improvement Program. UPWP = Unified Planning Work Program.
Source: Boston Region MPO.

Table 10-2
Potential Programs Considered for Implementation by the MPO

MPO = Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Source: Boston Region MPO.

Table 10-3
Existing or Planned Studies, Research, and Analyses in the UPWP to Address Needs

FFY = federal fiscal year. LRTP = Long-Range Transportation Plan. UPWP = Unified Planning Work Program.
Source: Boston Region MPO.

Table 10-4
Potential Studies Considered for the UPWP by the MPO

MBTA = Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. MPO = Metropolitan Planning Organization. TIP = Transportation Improvement Program. TNC = transportation network company.
Source: Boston Region MPO .

Table 10-5
Other Potential MPO Actions Considered by the MPO

MPO = Metropolitan Planning Organization. RTA = regional transit authority. TIP = Transportation Improvement Program.
Source: Boston Region MPO.

Detailed Descriptions of Recommendations

The following sections include detailed descriptions of the programs, studies, and other actions as summarized above in Tables 10.1 through 10.5.

Existing Programs

Investment Programs in Charting Progress to 2040 LRTP and TIP

Intersection Improvement

This program funds intersection projects that modernize existing signals, add signals, or otherwise update signal operations to improve safety, mobility, and reliability. Eligible improvements could also include the addition of turning lanes, shortened crossing distances for pedestrians, sidewalk improvements and curb cuts, and striping and lighting for bicyclists.

Complete Streets

This program modernizes roadways to improve safety and mobility for all users. Improvements can consist of continuous sidewalks and bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and other bicycle facilities, as well as updated signals at intersections along a corridor. Improvements could also address other roadway infrastructure in the corridor, such as bridges, drainage, pavement, and roadway geometry. These improvements will reduce delay and improve bus transit reliability. Expanded transportation options and better access to transit will improve mobility for all and encourage mode shift.

Bicycle Network and Pedestrian Connections

This program expands bicycle and pedestrian networks to improve safe access to transit, school, employment centers, and shopping destinations. Bicycle and pedestrian connection projects could include constructing new, off-road bicycle or multiuse paths, improving bicycle and pedestrian crossings, or building new sidewalks. Improvements may also consist of traffic calming, sidewalk network expansion, enhanced signage and lighting, and upgrades similar to those in a Complete Streets program.

Major Infrastructure

This program includes all projects on roadway or transit systems that add capacity to the transportation network or cost over $20 million. Projects in this category could include large-scale Complete Streets projects, interchange modernizations, or transit expansion projects.

Community Transportation/Parking/Clean Air and Mobility

This program includes a combination of the following types of projects:

• Transit Operations: Projects that close gaps in the transit network (first-mile/last-mile shuttles, partnerships with transportation network companies [TNCs], transit enhancements, and technology updates)
• Parking Management: Additional parking for automobiles and bicycles, and leasing off-site parking near transit stations with shuttles connections
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements: Bicycle and pedestrian improvements for transit access, improvements to non-automotive transportation infrastructure for travelers with mobility impairments, and training and equipment for bicycles on transit
• Education and Wayfinding: Projects could include travel instruction, training on new technologies, signage, and pilot or demonstration projects

Planning Studies and Technical Assistance Programs in the UPWP

Improvements to Highway Bottlenecks

Bottleneck locations identified as part of the Needs Assessment are studied to identify and prioritize short-term and long-term improvements that can reduce congestion and improve mobility on expressways and arterials. These improvements frequently address safety concerns and include maintenance and modernization improvements. Solutions to improve traffic operations and traffic flow can also lessen emissions by reducing the time that vehicles are emitting in congested conditions.  

Community Transportation Technical Assistance

This program provides municipal officials with technical advice on local transportation concerns, such as traffic operations, safety, bicycle and pedestrian access, livability, parking, and bus stop locations.¹

Regional Transit Service Planning Technical Assistance

Through this program, the MPO staff offers technical support to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to promote best practices and address issues related to route planning, ridership, cost-effectiveness, and other service characteristics. The MPO staff also helps transportation management associations, municipalities, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s subregional groups to improve the transit services that they operate or fund.²

Bicycle and Pedestrian Support

MPO staff supports the Boston region’s bicycle and pedestrian planning needs through ongoing data collection, analysis, and technical assistance. Specific examples include bicycle and pedestrian counts and various online resources.

Park-and-Ride/Bicycle Parking

Alongside the Congestion Management Process, these programs can increase transit ridership by expanding automobile and bicycle parking at commuter rail and rapid transit stations.  

Other MPO Projects and Programs

Evaluation of LRTP program benefits and burdens to transportation equity populations

This project develops analysis methods to assess the potential benefits and burdens of the LRTP program of projects in the MPO region. Concurrently, a Disparate Impact and Disproportionate Burden policy is being developed to determine whether the LRTP program of projects is projected to cause disparate impacts (when they adversely affect minority populations) and disproportionate burdens (when they adversely affect low-income populations) by 2040.

Evaluation of TIP program benefits and burdens to transportation equity populations

This project develops analysis methods to assess the potential benefits and burdens of the TIP program in the MPO region.

Support to Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment

For this program, the MPO works directly with MassDOT to prioritize transportation assets that should be the focus of MassDOT’s climate change adaptation efforts. This will help address the challenges resulting from climate change for the populations that are the most vulnerable.

Freight Program

This program monitors developments and analyzes changes in the region’s freight systems.

Potential Programs

The following section provides detailed descriptions of potential programs to be considered by the MPO for implementation in the LRTP, Destination 2040. These programs were also summarized in Table 10-2.

Investment Programs

Bus Mobility (Dedicated Bus Lanes and Infrastructure)

A new program could be implemented through the LRTP and the TIP to provide funding for municipalities to construct dedicated bus lanes and otherwise support projects that improve bus mobility and reliability. The MPO may fund lane striping and other roadway geometry and infrastructure improvements to demarcate bus lanes. It may also fund installations or upgrades to signals to enhance transit signal priority. These types of improvements can help to alleviate congestion and allow faster and more reliable (or predictable) travel times for bus riders. The service improvements realized by bus lanes could also induce a mode shift from the single-occupant vehicle to transit, which would reduce emissions. This program would benefit transportation equity populations that rely on the bus system.

Transit Modernization

This program could address safety as well as system preservation needs on the transit system. Depending on the location and type of project, it could also address clean air, transportation equity, and economic vitality needs. The MPO would coordinate with MassDOT, the MBTA, and RTAs in the region to identify opportunities to flex the MPO’s discretionary funding to modernization projects. This program could coordinate with the MBTA and the regions’ RTAs to target specific types of modernization projects—such as station or facility improvements or climate resiliency projects—to improve transit infrastructure.

Interchange Modernization

This program would include modernization of interchanges on the region’s roadway system. It would improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve mobility, which would reduce transportation-related emissions. Projects in this program could potentially be included in the Major Infrastructure Program.

Enhanced Park-and-Ride

This program would revisit the existing Community Transportation/Parking/Clean Air and Mobility program and consider allocating more funding for additional park-and-ride spots at transit stations for commuter rail and rapid transit customers. This program could help induce mode shift and reduce transportation-related emissions.

Connect Elderly Adults with Transportation

The MPO or another entity could take the lead on developing a program to connect elderly adults with transportation options, such as TNCs. This program would restore mobility to elderly adults who can no longer drive and who might not be familiar with the new technologies and transportation options. This could also be a part of the Community Transportation program.

Coordinating Car Sharing and Transit

Car sharing locations in the Boston region are currently concentrated in the Inner Core. Designating more spots for car sharing providers at key outlying rapid transit and commuter rail stations could improve mobility for travelers outside of the Inner Core. The MPO could play a key role in identifying potential locations and coordinating planning. This program could increase mode shift from single-occupant vehicles to transit and reduce transportation-related emissions. The program could also support the non-traditional commuting needs of transportation equity populations.

Climate Resiliency

This program could provide funding for transportation network resiliency improvements. It could be coordinated with the Commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program which provides support for cities and towns in Massachusetts to plan for climate change resiliency and to implement priority projects. Projects funded through this program could include stormwater management projects or signal upgrades that might not fall under the MPO’s Complete Streets or Intersection Improvement programs.

Technical Assistance Programs and Projects

Infrastructure Bank or Demonstration Materials Library

The MPO’s discretionary funds could be used to build a reference library or bank of materials that could be used as a resource during roadway interventions and allow for quick tests of various roadway configurations and alternatives. This could also be a resource when testing new transit configurations, such as bus bump-outs, and other alternatives. This idea was inspired by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the Greater Cleveland area MPO.³

Freight Database

This project would involve collecting a full set of truck volume data for use in an updated truck model. The data collected could be used when selecting infrastructure improvement projects.

Existing Studies

The following section provides detailed descriptions of existing or planned studies, research, and analyses included in the MPO’s UPWP, as outlined in Table 10-3.

Addressing Safety, Mobility, and Access on Subregional Priority Roadway (FFY 2019 UPWP)

These studies are conducted each year to identify and address operations and safety issues on priority arterial locations identified by relevant subregional groups concentrating on transit, nonmotorized modes of transportation, and truck activity. Recommendations from these studies may include maintenance and modernization improvements and improvements to operations resulting in reduced vehicle emissions.

Addressing Priority Corridors for LRTP Needs Assessment (FFY 2019 UPWP)

These studies are conducted each year to make recommendations for improving priority roadway corridors that have high levels of congestion and safety problems.

Low-Cost Improvements to Express Highway Bottlenecks (FFY 2019 UPWP)

These studies are conducted each year to address points in the highway system where traffic flow is restricted and to provide recommendations to increase safety, reduce congestion, and reduce vehicle emissions.

The Future of the Curb (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This planned study comprises of a literature review and an analysis of data to determine best practices concerning the use of curb space for purposes other than parking—including best practices for urban delivery zones, dedicated bus lanes, and bicycle lanes. Effective management of curb space can enhance traveler safety.

Transportation Access Studies of Commercial Business Districts (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This study will focus on the collection of data on the travel behavior (including the mode of arrival) of patrons in commercial business districts in the Boston region. The analysis of that data will be applied to address issues such as curb access and parking policy.

New and Emerging Metrics for Roadway Usage (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This study will focus on reviewing new performance metrics to measure roadway efficiency by different modes to express the needs of all travelers on the corridor.

Updates to Express Highway Volumes Charts (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This study will update estimates of traffic volumes on key regional limited-access highways and ramps. This is used as a basic tool for studying the express highway system.

Tracking of Emerging Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technologies

The MPO staff continues to monitor the status of this new technology and the schedule for adoption and implementation of this technology in the Boston region.

Reverse-Commute Areas Analysis (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This study will identify reverse-commute pattern trends (where a significant number of workers commute from the Inner Core to suburban municipalities) and examine possibilities for encouraging these commuters to use transit.

Pedestrian Report Card Assessment Dashboard (FFY 2019 UPWP)

This project will create an online version of the Pedestrian Report Card Assessment (developed in a previous UPWP study) and an interactive website, both of which will be available to the public. These tools will allow municipalities to identify locations where improvements could address safety as well as to encourage walking and potentially reduce transportation-related emissions.

Location-Specific Freight Studies

Staff conducts location-specific studies and technical analysis projects implemented through the existing Freight Program.

Potential Studies

The following section provides detailed descriptions of potential studies to be considered by the MPO for implementation in the LRTP, Destination 2040. These studies were also summarized in Table 10-4.

Conduct safety and operations studies at selected intersections

These studies provide municipalities with recommendations and conceptual designs for potential short-term, low-cost solutions or long-term, high-cost solutions for intersections that need safety improvements. (These studies are typically done every other year. The last study was completed in 2018. A new study could be done in FFY 2020.)

Identify locations with high bicycle and pedestrian crash rates

This study, which was proposed during the development of the FFY 2019 UPWP, would identify intersections in the Boston region where a high number of pedestrian crashes have occurred and recommend improvements to those intersections. Locations with high shares of transportation equity populations in their communities could be identified.

Identify factors that may contribute to fatal and serious injury crashes on the region’s roadways

As the title suggests, this study would identify factors that may contribute to fatal and serious injury crashes on the region’s roadways.

Conduct TIP before-and-after studies

These studies would measure the success of roadway safety projects in all areas, including transportation equity areas. The studies could also measure the success of roadway operation improvement projects.

Research safety outcomes of autonomous vehicle testing

MPO staff would research safety outcomes of autonomous vehicle testing in Boston or other metropolitan areas.

Conduct safety studies for travel to and from transit stops and stations

As the title suggests, these studies would recommend actions to improve safety for people traveling to and from transit stops and stations.

Create region-wide sidewalk inventory

This project would create a region-wide sidewalk inventory documenting infrastructure condition, stored in a format such as a geographic information system or GIS, and similar to the one created by the Capital District Transportation Committee (http://www.cdtcmpo.org/news/latest-news/307-regional-sidewalk-inventory). This inventory would fill a major gap identified by staff during the Needs Assessment development and complement numerous MPO programs and analyses. The inventory could also include a field identifying sidewalks located in communities with high shares of transportation equity populations.

Explore opportunities to consider vulnerability and resilience in MPO-funded corridor and intersection studies

As the title suggests, staff would explore opportunities to consider vulnerability and resilience in MPO-funded corridor and intersection studies.

Conduct congestion pricing research

The MPO could proactively plan to examine potential effects of different models for road congestion pricing proposed in the Massachusetts Legislature and advanced by members of the public. Congestion pricing schemes aim to reduce congestion by charging higher fees during peak travel times. If effective, congestion pricing can reduce transportation-related emissions. This study could also include the effects of congestion pricing on low-income populations.

Analyze revenue lost to transit services because of TNC usage

Staff would continue to analyze revenue lost to transit services because of TNC usage, such as Uber or Lyft, etc.

Research effect of TNCs on other modes, especially transit

Staff would continue to research the role of TNCs in the system and their effect on other modes, especially transit.

Monitor travel habits of all age groups in response to TNC technology

Staff would monitor how the adoption of TNCs by young people may modify travel habits in the future and how other age groups might respond to this technology.

Research the role of dispatching and supervision in bus reliability and its application in the MBTA network

Several independent research reports have suggested that modernizing dispatching and supervision practices could reduce bus bunching and improve reliability on the MBTA bus and rail networks.⁴ The MPO could contribute its expertise and data resources to a comprehensive effort to address this question.

Assist the MBTA in locating new or improved bus garage locations

State of the system materials compiled as part of MassDOT’s Focus 40 planning process identified the need to modernize bus garages as a high priority for the MBTA. Modern garages would allow expansion of the bus fleet and acquisition of more articulated buses and battery-electric-powered buses. However, these garages are not easy to site, as they may increase traffic and noise in the neighborhood, and they must be as close as possible to major bus terminals to minimize deadhead time. As a regional agency, the MPO is in a position to assist in a regional effort focused on finding locations for new garages.

Analyze peak capacity of the MBTA rapid transit system

Historically, several of the MBTA’s rapid transit lines operated with shorter peak headways (that is, with more frequent service) than they do today. Headways are expected to decrease with the delivery of new rolling stock and signal systems for the Orange and Red Lines in the coming years, however, the Orange Line’s scheduled headways will still be longer than was historically the case. Members of the public suggested that the MPO analyze this situation and determine whether it is possible to return to historical headways without major capital investment, or if it is possible to run tighter headways given the currently available level of investment.

Assess the impacts of changes to the transportation system on transportation equity populations

This study would identify how changes to the transportation system affect the region’s population, with a focus on transportation equity populations. For example, staff could research the effects of increases in carbon monoxide emissions, changes in commute times, or increases in congestion levels.

Analyze commute patterns of low-income populations

This study would identify gaps in transit service to employment centers that have a significant concentration of jobs that employ low-income populations.

Support studies of state freight and rail projects

The MPO could consider recommendations from the MassDOT’s State Rail Plan, MassDOT’s Freight Plan, and the MBTA’s Rail Vision study when programming projects for the LRTP and TIP.

Support the recommendations of the Statewide Economic Impact Study

The MPO could consider recommendations from MassDOT’s 2018 Economic Impact study, which will include economic scoring criteria for transportation projects.

Assess how the MPO can implement recommendations from the Commonwealth’s Future of Transportation Report

The Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth released Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future in December 2018. Staff will monitor the implementation of the recommendations included in the plan and determine if the MPO can help to move them forward.

Other Recommended Actions

As outlined in Table 10-5, the following section provides detailed descriptions of potential actions to be considered by the MPO.

Coordinate with partner agencies to collect additional safety data

Continue to coordinate with partner agencies to collect data that supports safety research and analysis.

Continue to participate in Road Safety Audits

Continue to participate in road safety audits for roadway improvements projects.

Consider publicizing transportation safety-oriented education

Consider publicizing transportation safety-oriented education and awareness material through the MPO’s communication and public involvement channels.

Consider opportunities to support discussions on transportation safety issues

Consider opportunities to use MPO meetings or events to support discussions on transportation safety issues.

Coordinate ways MPO staff can support climate vulnerability assessments and resiliency planning

Coordinate with other municipalities and state and regional agencies to determine ways MPO staff can support climate vulnerability assessments and resiliency planning.

Emphasize the existing TIP resiliency and adaptation criteria

Emphasize the existing TIP resiliency and adaptation criteria and encourage municipalities to share information about how their proposed projects relate to their resiliency and adaptation planning.

Lead discussions on prioritization of surface roadway space for the automobile, transit, freight, and active transportation modes

As the title suggests, lead public discussions about how to prioritize the use of surface roadway space for the automobile, transit, freight, and active transportation modes.

Coordinate between RTAs and other transit providers

Encourage coordination between RTAs and other transit providers. During public outreach efforts, MPO staff documented the need for better coordination between various transit providers (for example, MBTA and MetroWest or Cape Ann RTA service), especially in municipalities that are located on the borders of provider service areas.

Establish additional performance metrics for the Boston MPO

Establish additional performance metrics that measure outcomes in the MPO’s goal areas including those that measure:

• Safety of the transportation system
• Maintenance and modernization of the transportation system
• Congestion levels, degrees of mode shift, etc.
• Air quality and other environmental issues
• The transportation system specific to transportation equity populations
• Economic vitality in the region as it relates to the transportation system

Measure mode shift related to capital investment

An equivalent investment in the various transit services may not produce the same degree of mode shift to each service. The MPO should measure mode shift specific to capital investment. For example, commuter rail is capital-intensive but carries fewer riders, whereas buses are less capital-intensive but carry more riders.

Develop demographic profiles for transportation equity populations

The MPO should analyze demographic data from the US Census Bureau and its American Community Survey to identify transportation analysis zones (TAZs) in the Boston region that have a high share of each transportation equity population. This is determined using the threshold for each transportation equity population, which is equal to the population’s region-wide median (except for low-income populations for which the threshold is 60 percent of the region’s median household income).

Track transportation trends

Summarize key demographic, socioeconomic, health, transportation, and environmental data each year to provide further context for understanding the transportation challenges and needs of transportation equity populations in the Boston region, as well as the trends that emerge as these data are tracked over time.

Identify communities of concern

Identify TAZs that have high shares of more than one transportation equity population to better focus resources on communities that may be particularly vulnerable to being underserved by the transportation network.

Conclusion

The recommendations detailed in this chapter are a result of the data analyses and public outreach for the Destination 2040 LRTP Needs Assessment. This information was used by the MPO to identify projects and programs included in the MPO’s Destination 2040 LRTP, which will also be implemented in future TIPs.

The accompanying LRTP document, based on this Needs Assessment, explains how the recommendations presented here were used to choose the projects and programs included in the recommended LRTP. This information was also an input into the Universe of Studies list which was used in the development of the MPO’s FFY 2020 UPWP, adopted in summer 2019.

< Chapter 9 - Economic Vitality Needs | Appendices >

< Back to Table of Contents