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Michael J. Widmer
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President
Michael J. Widmer is the President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nationally recognized, independent, non-partisan organization focusing on state spending and tax policies and the Massachusetts economy. The Foundation’s mission is to provide accurate, unbiased research with balanced, thoughtful recommendations that strengthen the state’s finances and economy in order to foster the long-term well being of the Commonwealth. Mike is one of the most respected voices on state spending and the condition of the state’s finances. Mike is also a member of the state’s Transportation Finance Commission, a bipartisan group created by the Legislature in 2004 to analyze transportation financing in Massachusetts and report back to the Legislature with recommendations. The Commission’s recommendations are expected before the end of the year.
As a member of the Transportation Finance Commission, you spearheaded the recent report analyzing the state’s transportation funding over the next 20 years. How would you sum up the report’s findings?
Dire. The state is disinvesting in our transportation infrastructure —mass transit, highways and bridges—at an alarming rate. I have known for years that the state faces a major problem in this area, but my work on the Transportation Finance Commission opened my eyes to just how serious it is—much more than I realized.
How important does Mass Taxpayers Foundation think public transportation is to the Commonwealth?
It is critical. Public transportation is a lifeline for the Massachusetts economy. That is why the Foundation, and I personally, have devoted so much attention to this issue over the past decade.
As the largest transit authority in Massachusetts, the MBTA represents about 90 percent of transit ridership in the state. In terms of daily ridership, the MBTA is the nation’s 5th largest mass transit system. It serves 175 cities and towns, and the average weekday T ridership is approximately 1.1 million passenger trips. What’s your analysis of the financial problems affecting the MBTA and consequences for not addressing these problems?
The MBTA is in very serious financial straits for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the problems are getting worse and, if not reversed, will produce a “death spiral” in which service and ridership spin downward. The T needs to be in a financial position to build ridership by investing in improved services.
Outside of the Boston area, public transit is organized via regional transit authorities (RTAs). There are 15 RTAs in Massachusetts.What role do the regional transit authorities play in the Massachusetts economy?
The RTAs play a very important role in the diverse regions of the state. However, because they are dwarfed by the MBTA they don’t receive the attention or funding they need and deserve.
Broadly, what needs to be done to address transportation financing?
We need to move on two broad fronts—costs and revenues. The cost structure at the MBTA, for example, is no longer sustainable. At the same time, we clearly need an infusion of new revenues to maintain and expand our transportation system.
Recently, a coalition of business groups, unions and advocacy organizations came together to form the Massachusetts Transportation Investment Coalition, of which MASSPIRG is a member. The idea is that promoting improved transportation funding will take the focus and effort of a broad range of interests and players in Massachusetts. What role do you see for a coalition of organizations like this?
The coalition is essential. There are no easy solutions to our transportation problems, and the coalition can help create the political support necessary for government leaders to take a series of difficult actions.
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