Asked last week why his push to include local projects in a $19.5 million federal infrastructure funding initiative failed to include money for extending rapid transit, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton didn’t wag a finger at federal officials; he pointed one at Gov. Charlie Baker.
“Gov. Baker doesn’t seem to be focused on anything except expanding roads,” Moulton said. “There’s nothing given to rail — not even the time of day. It runs counter to environmental justice, to basic economics, to worldwide experiences and to common sense.”
Let’s be fair: Neither Baker nor Moulton have earned accolades for improving public transit in Lynn.
A congressman since 2015, Moulton has not appreciably advanced efforts to bring the Blue Line to Lynn. That disappointing summation of Moulton’s transportation record contrasts with the strong statements he made during his 2014 campaign supporting high-speed rail development.
Baker’s outlook on advancing rapid transit into Lynn — dating back to his tenure as a state cabinet secretary 25 years ago — can be charitably described as dismissive.
The governor drives through Lynn every work day on his way to Boston, but it is state Sen. Brendan Crighton, not Baker, who is pushing to increase Commuter Rail frequency.
Moulton said he tried to get Blue Line extension money included in a new federal funding round and did not get the required collateral funding commitment from the state Department of Transportation.
“We couldn’t just say ‘I want to expand the Blue Line.’ It had to be something the state was willing to invest in. MassDOT doesn’t seem to want to give Massachusetts people the freedom to go to work in any other way except to make you drive, or take a 1950s-era train,” he griped, adding: “The rest of the world is not only investing in rail, but literally shutting down lanes to make more room for walking, biking, jogging and other alternatives.”
Moulton does make a good point: The Baker administration’s commitment to investing state spending in rapid transit is important, especially if and when the governor contemplates running for a third term.
Climate change science is increasingly demonstrating the necessity of bringing the combustible engine’s era to a close. The COVID-19 pandemic is redefining work habits and commuting schedules and providing transportation planners with opportunities to shift commuters to reliable mass transit.
Moulton said working with the Baker administration on transit goals is “frustrating.” But a veteran congressman in a Democratic state who professes to view consensus as the solution to problems should be able to initiate conversations with state policymakers aimed at prioritizing transit, with the long-delayed Blue Line extension topping the priority list.
