LYNN — State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) has been appointed as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, serving alongside state Rep. William Straus, who is the House Chair of the Committee.
Crighton said he looks forward to working with his colleagues in the legislature, local officials and community partners to “build a 21st-century transportation system that works for everyone.”
“Transportation is at a pivotal moment as we try to reach our emission-reduction goals, combat congestion that is returning to pre-pandemic levels, and decide how to effectively utilize once-in-a-generation infrastructure funding,” said Crighton. “Thank you to President (Karen) Spilka for entrusting me with this important responsibility.”
Crighton has experience working on a wide variety of transportation issues throughout his career as a legislative staffer, city councilor and legislator.
During his time on the Lynn City Council, Crighton wrote a nationally-recognized “Complete Streets” ordinance that makes the city consider all modes of transportation — including pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and those with mobility issues — when planning transportation projects.
Former Lynn Mayor and state Sen. Thomas M. McGee was chair of this same committee when Crighton served as his chief of staff.
Jarred Johnson, executive director of TransitMatters, said his organization is thrilled to have Crighton as the new chair of the transportation committee.
“Sen. Crighton has been a leader in the fight for a more equitable public-transit system, from low-income fares to Regional Rail electrification,” said Johnson. “We’re looking forward to working with Chair Crighton to build the sustainable, equitable, and affordable public-transportation system the residents of the commonwealth deserve.”
Crighton has a record of supporting improved transportation, as he joined the Lynn legislative delegation, local officials and community stakeholders in successfully advocating for the prioritization of his proposal, known as the Environmental Justice Corridor (EJC).
The EJC would electrify the commuter-rail line from Boston to the North Shore and increase frequency, which would reduce costs to subway-like fares.
While this project was approved, he continues to push for funding for electrification and operation as soon as possible.
Josh Ostroff, interim director of the Transportation for Massachusetts Coalition, congratulated Crighton and said he looks forward to working with him.
“He is a collaborative, thoughtful legislator who understands the need for ambitious transportation policy to help address our climate crisis, modernize mobility, and promote transportation equity across the state,” said Ostroff.
