Michigander in Mass

The green light on the Green Line extension project remains on, but waiting on the opposite street is the return of Arborway service and the Red-Blue connector projects, both stalled. What's good news from Somerville and Medford is not so good for others. And the increase in parking spaces for the Fairmont commuter rail line seems to be a concession to the rich, McMansion-owning taxpayers in the outer burbs. Somerville residents may be able to breathe easier (if it weren't for all the pollution), but we shouldn't rest on our laurels.

First, let's put in a strong show of support for the prioritization of both the connector and Arborway projects. We need to help the other core communities around here.

But next, let's not lose sight of some other priorities for transportation, the first being the Assembly Square Orange Line stop. While this stop would add about two minutes to my short reverse commute to Malden Center every day, it would HELP cut down on traffic a small amount (although how many people will take the T to shop at a store where 90% of the stuff is bigger than a breadbox I don't know).

But then what?