THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 11 , 2019 Page 3 ~ OP-ED ~ Our Partnership with the State is Vital for Transportation Relief By Mayor Brian Arrigo O n Tuesday, October 8, I submitted a testimony to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation to advocate for state funding and support for the construction of a commuter rail stop at Wonderland station, along with a “people mover” to shuttle commuter rail passengers to the Wonderland Blue Line station. I also advocated for a Blue Line – Red Line connection. The legislature will act on Governor Baker’s multi-billion dollar transportation bond bill. Everyone, at every level of government, understands the reality that traffic and congestion is a regional problem driven to the greatest extent by the booming regional economy. Every community knows there is no quick fix, and we, along with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and the MBTA, are committed to thoughtful, effective measures to address traffic. Our city’s growth indicates that Revere is keeping pace with the region’s growth. This is imperative, lest our city becomes little more than a pass through to Boston or a collection of surface parking lots. Addressing congestion requires innovative ideas along with maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure. As a hub of public transportation, Revere is uniquely situated to promote ideas that enhance public transit and offer some relief to the region’s traffic issues. To this end, my submission to the Committee was as follows: Dear Senator Boncore, Representative Straus, and Members of the Joint Committee: As Mayor of the City of Revere, I urge you to favorably consider two significant proposals that, when implemented, would conform to our objectives to reduce congestion and, simultaneously, improve public transit access from the North Shore to Boston/ Cambridge, Logan Airport and the future substantial advancements that are planned for the site of the former Suffolk Downs race track. These are 1) a commuter rail station at the Wonderland site, with an accessory "people mover" connection to the MBTA’s Blue Line station at Wonderland, and 2) an MBTA Blue Line ‘ Red Line link in downtown Boston. As the Governor’s recent study indicates, vehicular traffic in the Route 1A corridor and other major roadways that traverse the City of Revere are among the most congested in the Commonwealth. A traffic study commissioned earlier this year by my Administration determined that upwards of 95 percent of traffic travelling through Revere during peak hours enters from outside the City. This is not surprising, since three MBTA stations – including the northern terminus of the Blue Line – are situated in Revere. Commuters headed into Boston, and to Logan Airport, inevitably enter Revere. The commuter rail from Boston to Rockport, with its stem to Newburyport, already passes directly through Revere. The advantages of constructing a station at Wonderland that will give thousands of North Shore residents convenient, single-transfer access to the MBTA Blue line are readily apparent. Future development in Revere at the former Necco site, at Wonderland, and Suffolk Downs will magnify both the demand for, and the wisdom of, a Wonderland commuter rail stop. By extension, OP-ED | SEE PAGE 9 Family Strong the Blue Line ‘ Red Line link augments the practical value of the Wonderland commuter rail stop. Boston’s thriving economy generates countless benefits for the region. With that, however, come the hardships of Mayor Brian Arrigo and his lovely wife, Daveen, are shown at a recent sign holding event with sons, Joseph (right) and Jack who seem to be enjoying the entertainment of their dad’s run for re-election. (Courtesy Photo)
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