The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has released the People and Transportation Project Report, a study focusing on the transportation experiences of residents in the Springfield area. This report was developed in collaboration with Way Finders and The MassINC Polling Group.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt emphasized the report’s focus on understanding community challenges. “This report is about more than data. It is about listening to the voices of our neighbors, understanding the challenges they face, and acting on what we learn,” she said. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus highlighted that high transportation costs are a significant barrier for many residents in Western Massachusetts. He advocated for transit-oriented housing as a solution to reduce these costs.
Keith Fairey, President and CEO of Way Finders, noted the importance of including client input in the study. Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group, mentioned that large sample sizes allowed for detailed neighborhood-level insights.
The project involved surveys with over 1,600 Way Finders clients and additional research with 600 residents from Hampden and Hampshire counties earning less than $75,000 annually. Findings indicate that transportation costs are burdensome for many low-income residents; 49% report these expenses as a burden, increasing to 80% among those assisted by Way Finders.
The study found driving is prevalent among respondents but also highlighted challenges such as limited car access and repair affordability. Many have faced issues like missing appointments or being stranded due to transportation problems. There is strong support for fare-free public transit services like PVTA buses.
MassDOT plans to use these findings to guide future projects aimed at improving accessibility and affordability in transportation across Western Massachusetts. Initiatives include extending fare-free regional transit services through FY26 and advancing Compass Rail to enhance rail connections between western and eastern parts of the state.
For more details on the report, visit https://www.mass.gov/the-people-and-transportation-project.
Way Finders focuses on housing stability and economic mobility in Western Massachusetts. More information can be found at www.wayfinders.org.
The MassINC Polling Group offers nonpartisan public opinion research services nationwide. Learn more at massincpolling.com.
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