Transportation

Like many of her constituents, Marty relies on the MBTA. She understands the importance of reliable and affordable public transportation. In 2006, she supported an income tax deduction for MBTA monthly pass holders and eligible Fast Lane toll payers, allowing commuters to deduct up to $730 annually. More recently, Marty fought the proposed fare hike and has consistently advocated for enhanced service.

As a result of the legislature’s financial support, the T is the only major transit authority in the U.S. that hasn’t raised fares or cut service in the last two years and is on track to make it three years in a row. This, of course, means more money in everyone’s pockets. While this is excellent news, Marty knows that the legislature must also address the problem caused by the MBTA’s long-term debt.

Vehicles parked illegally in bus stops make it impossible for buses to reach the curb, slowing other traffic and making it difficult for people with disabilities to ride buses. To make riding MBTA buses easier and safer, Marty and her colleagues increased the fine for parking in a bus stop to $100.

To enhance the safety of our roads, Marty supports legislation prohibiting cell phone use while driving, unless a driver is using hands-free technology. Marty also voted to ban texting while driving.

Marty supported the tougher drunk driving penalties in Melanie’s Law. There are repeat offenders who should have their driver’s license revoked sooner and who should serve jail time if they continue to drink and drive.

In addition, she voted in favor of increased driver’s education requirements for first-time drivers and better enforcement of the laws that govern teenagers, too many of whom were driving illegally. Since that law went into effect, the state has seen a significant drop in the number of teen fatalities on our roads. Marty also voted in favor of primary enforcement of our state’s seat belt law.

Marty worked with her colleagues to eliminate the state’s antiquated and inefficient transportation agency structure. This will save the state nearly $6.5 billion over the next 20 years. The transportation reform law eliminated the Turnpike Authority, abolished the “23 and out” rule for MBTA retirees, and brought all active and retired MBTA workers into the state’s Group Insurance Commission as a way to reduce health care expenses at the T.

Understanding that our deteriorating infrastructure could no longer by ignored and that new transportation projects are necessary, Marty supported three transportation bond bills in 2008 totaling an $8 billion investment.

Marty fought to reduce the use of paid police details on state public works projects, saving the taxpayers money. While she see this initial reduction as a good first step, Marty would like to see the elimination of all police details at roadway construction sites.