A poll of 800 Massachusetts registered voters found 82% rate the state transportation system as fair or poor. Few respondents reported progress on the MBTA, with 43% saying conditions have stayed about the same, 19% saying it has worsened, and 21% saying they see improvement. The results were described as worse than prior resident surveys from 2024 and 2025. Harsh winters may contribute to pessimism, including complaints about snow removal. Residents also expressed concerns about construction quality and speed, reducing willingness to invest more in transit. Despite these concerns, about two-thirds supported increased state funding for microtransit services that help smaller communities using on-demand vans and minibuses.
"In a survey of 800 Massachusetts registered voters, 82% said the state's transportation system is in fair or poor condition, according to a MassINC news release. Few respondents said they see progress on the MBTA, as 43% believe the system has stayed "about the same," while 19% feel it has worsened, the poll results show. Only 21% reported seeing any improvement."
"MassINC described these figures as being "worse" than those recorded in 2024 and 2025 resident surveys. However, the organization noted that harsh winters "may explain some of the pessimism," as a focus group held prior to the poll highlighted grievances regarding snow removal from sidewalks, roads, and bus stops."
"At the same time, the focus group found that residents are concerned about the quality and speed of construction projects, which has reduced the public's desire to increase transit system investments, according to MassINC. Despite these concerns, "microtransit services" emerged as a specific area with majority backing, the poll results showed."
"Approximately two-thirds of those surveyed favored increased state funding for these services, which assist smaller communities that lack full-fledged bus service and rely on on-demand vans and minibuses. "At a time when money is tight for voters and state government alike, it's encouraging to see continued support for transit for our rural communities," Massachusetts Executive Director of Transportation Reggie Ramos said."
Read at Boston.com
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