News and Notes

MBTA Pilot Seeks Mobility Device Companies

A licensing pilot for mobility device companies seeking to place devices on the MBTA has been launched.

The pilot seeks to encourage and expand mobility options that help people get where they need to go and increase access to public transit for current and potential transit riders.

As the region continues to experience the introduction on the variety of new devices like electric-assisted bicycles, electronic scooters and more, the pilot establishes a process to ensure the MBTA can embrace mobility devices in a safe and orderly manner.

More Wheelchair  Accessible Vehicles

A one-year pilot program has started that will provide financial incentives to transportation network companies in an effort to increase availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

MassDOT and the MBTA noted, during the pilot, Uber and Lyft will receive a subsidy on a per hour basis for every hour that wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available for use.

“The pilot is an innovative way to expand the availability of accessible vehicles through the use of existing technology,” MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stefanie Pollack said.

Investments to Address Housing Needs

Expanding access to affordable housing opportunities and combating chronic homelessness in Boston, part of Mayor Martin Walsh’s commitment has gained financial support.

The Mayor has announced $20.6 million in City funds to support housing outfits as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 20) operating budget proposal. This is an increase of approximately $6.4 million or 45 percent in the FY 20 operating budget for housing over last year.

Major Investments for Transportation

In the City’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 20) budget and capital plan with a focus on improving safe, reliable and equitable transportation, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh proposes investments for pedestrian, cyclists and commuters.

Investments include: $4 million in Boston’s Walkable Streets, $2 million in bike infrastructure and $500 thousand to create new public plazas.

“Investing in transportation that works for everyone, is our key goal as we continue to improve transportation in Boston,” Mayor Walsh said.

Updated Supervised Driving Program

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program has been updated and is currently available at statewide full-service Registry of Motor Vehicle Service Centers and online.

MassDOT, Registry of Motor Vehicles in collaboration with Safe Roads Alliance and program sponsors Safety Insurance, Toyota North America, and the Massachusetts National Guard to update the program.