Former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation visits #BUCPUA, shares proposals for sustainable mobility in the 21st Century

On June 28, Jim Aloisi, a Boston-based writer, commentator and consultant, visited BU City Planning and Urban Affairs (BUCPUA) students in in Doug Johnson’s UA 510 Course, Transit-Oriented Development in the 21^st Century.

Jim Aloisi describes needed changes to Boston's transit systems — Jim Aloisi describes needed changes to Boston’s transit systems

Aloisi used his experiences as the former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation to form 21st Century policy recommendations. However, Aloisi also described the ideological, legal, and bureaucratic barriers that often inhibit these changes.

Aloisi recently spoke at the Smart City Event held at Amsterdam Arena. He commended how efficiently the Netherlands implemented sustainable, transit-oriented development, demonstrated by its high rates of cycling and walking.

Here in Boston, Aloisi described how transit systems are operated by 20^th century infrastructure, policies and regulations. As Boston’s population approaches 700,000 residents, its transit capabilities cannot accommodate continued, growing demand. To start, Aloisi asserts that institutional and civic fragmentation within the City must be supplanted by integrating transit, safety, and equity silos.

Students Yi Ding, Raymond Teoh, and faculy member Doug Johnson listen attentively to Aloisi's lecture. — Students Yi Ding, Raymond Teoh, and faculy member Doug Johnson listen attentively to Aloisi’s lecture.

“Transportation must respond to our collective values. This great transition can be accomplished through new sources of energy, revenue, and technology to establish new mobility paradigms. Accordingly, complementary policies, systems, and infrastructure must respond to the current and future needs of urban citizens, especially in Boston,” Aloisi stated.

“As planners and policy makers, we must reinforce equity through funding of regional and multi-modal transit. However, political and economic cycles can facilitate displacement of low-income people from transit-rich areas. Municipalities like Revere and Everett have seen an influx of these displaced residents. It’s of primary importance that public transit supports and serves those who need it most, such as low-income people. Planners and policymakers need to ensure their voice is heard,” asserted Aloisi.

Student Shara Greco attends Aloisi's lecture. — Student Shara Greco (SED’18) pays close attention during Aloisi’s presentation

Aloisi is currently a founding partner of the Pemberton Square Group, LLC and is acting editor of the City Protocol Society. From 2008 to 2009, Aloisi served as the Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation. Furthermore, he also served on the boards of the Massachusetts Port Authority and Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. Aloisi is a former partner at Hill & Barlow and Goulston & Storrs. Aloisi contributes articles to the MassINC’s Commonwealth Magazine and has written three books.

Aloisi elaborates on using new revenue to fund transit improvements — Aloisi elaborates on using new revenue sources to fund transit improvements

– Courtney Thraen (MET’17)