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When we say public infrastructure, what do you think of? Some may immediately gravitate towards public transit. That of course, is a great tactile example of public infrastructure that we experience daily. In addition to public transit, this chapter will also cover green infrastructure, energy and other public utilities that our taxpayer money goes towards.
Boston is one of the most walkable cities in America. There are many reasons for this. One being how Boston was built without cars in mind, which meant that towns had to be closer together and they would need to make sure a horse-drawn carriage would suffice. Also, as the world evolved, the MBTA (The T) became the first transit system in America, which made it even easier to travel to nearby neighborhoods and walk around.
If you’re new to the city, the T can feel like a daunting task. However, there are smartphone apps that can assist anyone who gets lost in the city
Massachusetts is well-connected through its transit authorities. It makes for a consistent, safe and comfortable trip, no matter where you are in the area. For more info, visit the Public Transportation page on Mass.gov
Transportation is currently the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston. Two-thirds of these emissions are from commuters coming into the city, through passenger vehicles. Decreasing emissions involves shifting away from these vehicles towards public transit. Boston’s transportation plan (Go Boston 2030)aims to make public transit safer, more affordable and reliable by decreasing car use and emissions. The City hopes to facilitate this transition by decarbonizing transportation through electrifying buses and expanding access to EV charging infrastructure.
A big way of reaching this goal is to encourage more people to drive electric vehicles. For years, costs have been a factor in why there are less electric vehicles out there but that’s also why the Mass Clean Energy Center has come up with a program to allow for rebates with incentives when one buys an electric vehicle.
For more information, on the efforts the Mass Clean Energy Center is making to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, go here
E-Bikes are also an option for people who don’t want to own a car but still want a vehicle. More Info
As a resident, here are some ways to make your transit more sustainable and fun!
One of the reasons Boston is more walkable is due to the increase in bike lanes across the city. With less reliance on cars, more bike lanes allow for less traffic congestion in the city.
Newbury Street is one of the most popular streets in Boston because each block has a bunch of restaurants and shops. During most Sundays in the summer, Newbury Street blocks off cars from driving on that street, so people can walk on the road. As mentioned before, Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the world and events like this are good to promote that aspect of the city.
Memorial Drive in Cambridge is also closed for cars every Sunday from April to November.
Block Parties are another way to promote car-free roads. Anyone can submit a grant for a block party to the city of Boston. According to Boston.gov, “Block parties are one of the most delightful ways to connect neighbors, build community, and have fun! ”
In August 2024, the City of Boston completed the installation of green roofs on a few bus stops. Green roofs are covered with plants on top of a waterproof layer. Aside from the environmental effects and the nice aesthetics, green roofs can help reduce extreme heat, provide direct shade at bus shelters, help reduce flooding from heavy rain, and improve plant pollinator biodiversity.
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The MBTA has different colors for their specific lines:
🔵 The Blue Line runs under the Boston Harbor and along the coast
🔴 The Red Line showcases Harvard, whose school colors are crimson, a shade of red.
🟢 The Green Line passes through the Emerald Necklace, Boston’s chain of parks.
🟠 The Orange Line goes along Washington Street (originally Orange Street), however, this has been disputed. The designers wanted yellow, but the white lettering made it hard to read.
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Public Infrastructure Map View
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
How to Get Around Boston without a Car