New bill aims at reducing how many miles people drive in Massachusetts

A new bill proposed in Massachusetts aims to reduce how many miles people drive in their cars.

Lawmakers say the goal is to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions. While no specific mileage was listed, the bill would require MassDOT to set goals to reduce the number of statewide driving miles in general.

The proposal is a push to align the state's transportation plans with its climate mandates, and is based on similar laws in Colorado and Minnesota.

The bill would establish a new council to find ways to make public transportation more accessible for residents, looking at solutions like trains, ferries, buses, bike paths and more.

"The purpose of the Freedom to Move Act is to ensure that we are investing in all transportation options—both roads and highways and cleaner alternatives like trains and buses—to help align Massachusetts with its climate targets," the bill's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem, said in a statement. "It does not in any way limit people's choices about how to get around. It does not impose fines, penalties, or taxes on drivers. In fact, it gives people more choices."

New bill aims at reducing how many miles people drive in Massachusetts

A new bill proposed in Massachusetts aims to reduce how many miles people drive in their cars.

www.nbcboston.com

 

[1LoverofGod]

No doubt this will be followed by other Democrat run states..More control, less freedom, and falls under the quote made by Democrat Rahm Emanuel,
"You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before"

 

[Cheeky200386]

I feel for my brother-in-law who lives in MA and travels all New England for work. He’s upset that this is even being proposed but is sadly outnumbered by crazy liberal voters.

 

[dwb]

Because of climate change and stuff.

 

[mattfivefour]

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

They've been aggressively pursuing this here.

However, if the issue really is climate change/greenhouse gases, then why are plug-ins and hybrids charged extra for registration?

(It's because using less gas means paying less road tax, even though using/causing wear and tear on the roads like the other vehicles)

FWIW, IIRC, mine was $20 extra for the year

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

If they want people to use mass transit, they need to clean up the buses, trains, bus stops, and transit stations, do something about homeless people taking up all or most of the seats to sleep, do something about the bed bugs, fleas, lice, urine, feces, etc. on the buses and trains, provide clean, safe rest rooms at transit stations and major bus stops, and do something about the gangs, drugs, violence, and other crime all over the public transit system

Public transit ridership has been declining the last several years here. People are disgusted and afraid for their health, safety, and security. The only transit that's well used for its intended purpose appears to be the CLEAN AND SAFE private commuter buses with the extras (wifi, luggage/package stowage, TV, assigned seats, etc.) and trains going to and from downtown pro sports Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, and Lynx (WNBA), and St. Paul Saints (MLB AAA).

Meanwhile, one of the suburbs is planning on spending $22 MILLION to build an underpass for pedestrians and bicycles to cross a busy state highway that passes through a huge commercial area, even though the issue can be resolved by adding a few signs, adding the FLASHING crosswalk warning signs, repainting the crosswalks, and re-timing about a mile and a half of traffic lights (they need to be re-timed for other reasons, as well). Less than $100,000, even if they fix the concrete traffic islands A few extra perks to the underpass because of the way it's designed: perfect place to rob pedestrians and bicyclists, more covered space for homeless to congregate, use drugs, prostitute, and sleep, and the poor drainage guarantees it'll flood, drawing rats and mosquitoes. The area is nice, but if they do this, they'll ruin the immediate surrounding area. The voters in that jurisdiction are trying to exercise initiative and referendum to get this stopped.

 

[LightOfMyLife]

I feel for my brother-in-law who lives in MA and travels all New England for work. He’s upset that this is even being proposed but is sadly outnumbered by crazy liberal voters.

Here we go with control issues, and some people may move out of there to Texas or Florida. In Texas they have a good governor Abbott and DeSantis in Florida.

 

[Tall Timbers]

In Texas they have a good governor Abbott and DeSantis in Florida.

For now...

 

[LightOfMyLife]

For now...

ing that Texas and Florida remain Republican.

 

[Cheeky200386]

I pray that if we move to TN this year, it will bless our family for many years to come. I just pray for enough time for us to finish homeschooling and the kids to grow up. Of course, then I would worry about the grandkids. Only God knows what will come.

 

[Baby Yoda]

Shhh... don't give MD governor Mess Moore any ideas.....

aka 'Tax Moore".....