Mass. Gov. Patrick looks for efficiency in state’s transportation

BOSTON – Mass. Gov. Deval L. Patrick last week announced plans to overhaul the state’s transportation system to “radically simplify [the system] while addressing serious fiscal challenges stemming from decades of neglect and inaction.”
The plan, which Patrick said is a reaction to the “failed bureaucracy under the ‘Big Dig’ culture” governed by previous administrations, looks to enact several new policies, including:
&#8226 Joining the 49 other states in using civilian flaggers on construction projects.
&#8226 Streamlining project delivery time at the Massachusetts Highway Department by 40 percent.
&#8226 Saving $47 million at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority by reducing overtime costs and staff levels and increasing employee health care contributions.
&#8226 Saving $31 million by eliminating middle management and toll takers on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
&#8226 Launching the Accelerated Bridge Repair Program, which would require legislature support, to address the backlog of maintenance projects left by previous administrations.
&#8226 Creating a consolidated Executive Office of Transportation with four divisions: highway, rail and transit, aviation and port and a registry of motor vehicles.
&#8226 Abolishing the Turnpike Authority to create one highway, tunnel and bridge system.
&#8226 Creating an Office of Performance Management to ensure public accountability and transparency.
The proposal also looks to raise the gas tax, a move that Patrick said would eliminate the need to institute proposed toll increases on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Other components of the plan also look to create a more “green” transportation system by reducing carbon emissions, boosting fuel efficiency in state public transit vehicles and promoting walking and biking. &#8226