A recent poll conducted in Massachusetts has highlighted the impact of rising housing costs and transportation challenges on residents, with one in five planning to leave the state within the next five years. The survey, conducted by The MassINC Polling Group on behalf of Transportation for Massachusetts, found that 71% of residents feel the squeeze from housing costs and 57% are burdened by transportation expenses.
Transportation for Massachusetts Executive Director Reggie Ramos emphasized the interconnected nature of housing and transportation issues and urged public officials to address them jointly. The poll also revealed that women who rent their homes and use public transit are among those most affected by these challenges.
Residents identified housing affordability and transportation connectivity as top issues facing the state government, with finding an affordable home being a key factor in determining where they choose to live. Despite efforts to promote public transit, less than 10% of residents rely on it as their main mode of transportation, with many citing challenges with the MBTA.
The poll showed growing support for congestion pricing, with 50% of respondents open to studying the idea of charging drivers a fee to enter downtown Boston. This comes in light of Boston’s ranking among the top-10 cities in the world for worst traffic, and fourth in the United States.
Overall, the poll highlights the pressing need for solutions to address the housing and transportation challenges faced by residents in Massachusetts.
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Photo credit www.bostonherald.com
