Issues

Newton and Brookline are fortunate to have access to subway lines, commuter rail stops, and bus lines. But our services leave much to be desired in terms of safety, reliability, frequency, and accessibility.

I will be a leading voice for investing in the MBTA so our residents have true alternatives to vehicle travel. Our residents who rely on public transportation are harmed when the MBTA reduces service, as they did recently with too many of our bus lines, and when the Green Line is slow or infrequent – or entirely closed down.

Even those who must travel by car are better off when our public transportation system is better because it means fewer cars on the road and less congestion.

And of course, as a doctor, I am excited about the public health benefits for all of us, with fewer cars on the road emitting harmful tailpipe emissions that reduce air quality and increase rates of asthma and respiratory diseases.

• As a Green Line rider myself I experience the limits of our subway system on a daily basis. Too often the trains are delayed or overcrowded. Periodically they derail or catch on fire. This is not the 21st century transit system our residents need and deserve. MBTA GM Philip Eng is doing the best he can with the resources he has, but we know there is a $25B backlog. I will advocate for fully funding the MBTA so that we stop kicking the can down the road. A modern function T is necessary for mobility, as well as reaching our climate goals but giving travelers a choice beyond single occupancy vehicles.

• I will demand that MBTA fully fund the investments in the three Newton commuter rail stops that are not accessible: Newtonville, West Newton and Auburndale. When the Newton City Council voted to approve the MBTA Communities Act in 2023, state leaders promised that if Auburndale were also included in the plan, that would help make the case for the state to invest in Newton’s commuter rail stops. The city council included Auburndale, now it’s time for the state to hold up its end of the deal.

• I will advocate for restoring bus service at least to pre-pandemic levels. Numerous residents have told me that they can no longer rely on bus service due to service cuts.

• For those who must drive – and that is most of us – we need to make it easier to switch to vehicles powered by electricity. This means maintaining financial incentives for EVs, and expanding charging infrastructure. It also means making it easier for those without easy access to home charging to be EV drivers, by helping cities and towns invest in public charging stations.