Governor Maura Healey has announced an $8 billion plan to improve Massachusetts' roads, bridges, regional transit, and address the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's financial issues. The plan, the largest in over 20 years, will be funded through "Fair Share" revenue and existing funds, without raising taxes, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal focuses on improving transportation across Massachusetts. Governor Healey stated, "we'll close the MBTA’s budget gap, improving service and upgrading stations," while mentioning regional projects like the West-East Rail. Her administration is using Fair Share Funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, enhance services, and invest in road and bridge repairs. Lieutenant Governor Driscoll emphasized the importance of transportation for the state’s prosperity and outlined plans for upgrading the MBTA fleet and supporting Regional Transit Authorities with targeted investments, as reported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts administration has created a plan stating, "we have devised an innovative strategy that will allow us to not only continue to invest in key projects and infrastructure, but also solve the MBTA’s funding crisis not just for this year but years into the future." This strategy includes using Fair Share dollars for investment bonds, forecasting $5 billion over a decade, and leveraging federal funds and Grant Anticipation Notes. The Fair Share surplus, which reached $2.46 billion in FY24, supports this plan. Massachusetts Department of Transportation General Manager Phillip Eng commended the administration, saying, "On behalf of the MBTA, I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening public transportation across Boston and the entire Commonwealth," with a focus on using taxpayer dollars for workforce development, safety, RTA worker retention, and microtransit improvements, as stated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
