Infrastructure & Transportation
While frequently overlooked, transportation and infrastructure issues are major factors in both our economy and quality of life. Stephen knows that in order to strengthen our economy and help working families these issues must be addressed.
As the senior New England member of the Transportation Committee, Stephen has continuously pushed for funding to repair our crumbling roads and bridges to bring them up to date and safe for travel. Beyond our roads and bridges, Stephen knows that many people rely on a public transportation system that is outdated and inadequate. In Congress, he is working to invest in updates and modernizing our public transportation infrastructure to create a more reliable, environmentally friendly option people can count on.
A member of the Aviation Subcommittee, Stephen continues to be a vocal advocate for airline safety, for those working and travelling on airlines as well as those who live in the path of airline traffic. Sponsoring efforts such as the Air Traffic Noise Pollution Expert Consensus Act to study the health effects of airplane noise over residential areas, and the Health Safety in Skies Act to create federal COVID-19 protection guidelines for airline employees and travellers, Congressman Lynch is working to keep us safe in the skies and on the ground.
Our Infrastructure issues don’t end with our transportation system, most water and power systems are outdated and can be harmful to both people and our environment. Stephen believes that Congress must take the lead in fixing these antiquated systems to improve quality and ensure safety while promoting cleaner energy alternatives that have a positive impact on our environment.
Broadband access is another critical infrastructure need where we have fallen behind, particularly in our rural and underserved areas. As America shifts the way we learn and work in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, universal access to broadband is even more essential. In Congress, Stephen has consistently supported federal efforts to increase broadband access and knows that this, like other necessary infrastructure improvements, are essential to working families and our economic future.
As a member of the Transportation Committee, Stephen helped to craft the Moving Forward Act. The bill will invest billions of dollars in transportation and infrastructure needs including roads and bridges, transportation systems and broadband access – all while putting our country on a path toward zero carbon emission, making communities and roads safer and addressing long-standing disparities.
The bill passed the House in July 2020 and included three initiatives authored by Stephen: The Green Buses for Every Community Act which requires 10 percent of zero-emissions bus grants to go to low- income communities; The Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Act which requires the Department of Transportation to study dangerous intersections and roads every two years and make improvements to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. Additionally it requires DOT to document any accidents or fatalities and maintain a database of high-risk intersections and roads; Ensuring Health Safety in Skys Act which requires the establishment of a joint task force to create federal safety guidelines for passengers and employees to help protect them against coronavirus as they travel.
As your Congressman, Stephen will continue to continue to fight for these necessary and critical transportation and infrastructure improvements.
Rep. Lynch On The MBTA, And The Commonwealth’s Reopening
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Rep. Stephen Lynch sees opening for Massachusetts in infrastructure bill
State House News Service By Colin Young Between the massive infrastructure package that President Joe Biden is expected to announce later this week and a revised budget process, Massachusetts is well-positioned to emerge from upcoming Congressional debate as a big...
Following criticism from lawmakers, MBTA says it will accelerate plans to restore service
"I want to assure you that this pathway to full service will be fully funded." Boston Globe By Nik DeCosta-Klipa MBTA officials had always said they planned to restore their recent sweeping, pandemic-induced service cuts as riders returned to the system....
‘People Could Die,’ Says Local Transit Activist Pushing For Reversal Of MBTA Service Cuts
WGBH By Arun Rath and Matt Baskin Local transit activists continue to pressure the MBTA to reverse service cuts put in place last week. The pushback comes even after the T's general manager, Steve Poftak, indicated in a letter to Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., made...
Money talks: The MBTA walks back service cuts
It’s a good thing that Congressman Lynch’s threat to the state worked. Boston Globe Editorial After the MBTA went ahead with planned cuts to train and bus services, US Representative Stephen Lynch issued a stern warning to state transportation leaders: Use...
MBTA GM Poftak Sends Letter to Rep. Lynch Committing to No Layoffs or Furloughs
Boston, MA - Last week, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak sent U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) a letter finalizing the agreement they made in their discussions about the MBTA's proposed layoffs, furloughs and service cuts. In conclusion,...
Commuter Rail conductors will not be furloughed after all, Rep. Stephen Lynch says “They have reconsidered their decision.”
Boston Globe By Christopher Gavin The MBTA has opted not to proceed with the indefinite furlough of 40 commuter rail conductors and assistant conductors as previously planned, Congressman Stephen Lynch says. The reversal came after Lynch, earlier this week,...
MBTA is rethinking service cuts and scraps layoffs after criticism from lawmakers
T indicates it is also considering restoring service earlier than planned Boston Globe By Adam Vaccaro The MBTA is backtracking on planned budget cuts in the face of criticism from the state’s congressional delegation over the agency’s decision to reduce...
Mass. congressional delegation wants explanation on MBTA service cuts
"We hope you can reassure us that the federal assistance Congress has provided will be used to completely restore any and all service cuts as soon as possible." Boston Globe By Christopher Gavin The Massachusetts congressional delegation called on MBTA leaders...
Rep. Lynch Slams MBTA’s Latest Round Of Service Cuts
WBUR By Tiziana Dearing and Walter Wuthmann Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch is criticizing the MBTA's latest round of service cuts, arguing they aren't necessary. In a letter to MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Lynch and the entire Massachusetts...