-Calls on MBTA to Perform Transportation/Traffic Study-
David Biele, a candidate for State Representative for the 4th Suffolk District, this week announced his transportation priorities and called on the MBTA to perform a transportation/traffic study in South Boston. As part of his campaign, Biele has talked about improving the efficiency and reliability of the MBTA, especially as the City of Boston continues to grow. Biele said, “As someone who relies on the MBTA for work and uses public transportation regularly, I’m aware of the issues of overcrowding on our buses and trains. I’ve also experienced firsthand bottlenecks along bus routes that result in gridlock on our streets with adverse impacts for both commuters and residents in our neighborhoods.”
Regarding last week’s meeting on bus transportation in South Boston, Biele continued, “I’m glad that the MBTA is working with the City of Boston on how to best invest in public transit in here in South Boston. I was also happy to hear that the MBTA plans on bringing bus stops into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was concerned to hear that many stops are not currently handicap accessible. Public transit must be accessible for all.”
On the proposal for express bus lanes on East Broadway, Biele stated, “The MBTA piloted an express bus lane in the City of Everett, with plans for the express bus lane to become permanent this year. However, each neighborhood, city and town is different. What works on a 1.3-mile straight road in Everett may not work for half that distance in South Boston, with turns along residential streets.”
Biele continued, “As a community, we should push the MBTA to gather real data in South Boston through a transportation study, so the neighborhood can make informed decisions on public transit. A transportation study should look at ways to avoid bottlenecks and gridlock along Summer Street and A Street, and the utilization of East First Street to serve more residents, decrease traffic on Broadway, and avoid gridlock on Summer Street.”
Biele concluded, “During this process, our goals should be to improve the efficiency and reliability of our public transportation system and ensure that any changes do not exacerbate or shift negative impacts from one neighborhood to another. Each neighborhood is different and we all need to work together to hold the MBTA accountable to get the service we deserve. That will be a top priority for me as your next State Representative.”
Biele is a lifelong resident of South Boston where he has been deeply engaged with local community-based organizations. He serves as president of the Harry McDonough Sailing Center, board member of the South Boston Boys & Girls Club, and is actively involved with South Boston Special Kids and Young Adults and TEAM Mentoring Program through Catholic Charities’ Labouré Center. Biele was a longtime staffer to Nick Collins in his State Representative Office, working on policy, legislation, and constituent services. He is a graduate of Boston Latin School, Boston College, and Boston College Law School.
