Gov. Healey Announces $8 Billion Funding Injection For MBTA

MASSACHUSETTS - Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday that $8 billion in funding would be allocated over the next 10 years for bridge repairs, stabilizing the $700 million budget gap in the MBTA and modernizing and sustaining the T's systems.

Standing in the opulent white halls of Union Station, Healey, joined by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MBTA General Manager Philip Eng, Worcester City Manager Eric Batista and more, outlined a three-tiered plan of stabilizing, enhancing and transforming the T.

"This is about funding, but it's about so much more," Healey said. The governor specifically highlighted bridge restorations, more frequent train and bus arrivals, station upgrades and safer platforms.

The T has been significantly underfunded for some time, and this funding comes amidst significant improvements. Massachusetts has gone from 34th in federal funding to 7th, and for the first time in 20 years there are no more slow zones.

The 15 regional transit authorities across the state will receive $25 million in funding for fare-free programs, connectivity projects and paratransit services for older residents.

During the event, the 31-member task force Healey founded last year released a 116-page report detailing these plans. It can be found at this link here.

The short-term of the plan involves receiving funds from the state's "millionaire's tax," a 4% additional tax on earnings greater than $1 million.

"You'll wait less and move faster," Healey said, "This is about funding, but it's about so much more."