REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITIES. A POLICY ANALYSIS OF MASSACHUSETTS

This study examines the regional transit authorities in Massachusetts as examples of several trends of governmental policy of the 1970s, as well as examples of innovative public institutions. They are examples of the trend from private to subsidized public ownership of transit facilities. By 1973 the Massachusetts legislature provided for establishment of regional transit authorities outside the Boston Metropolitan area. This study examines Chapter 161-B by using a systems framework of analysis. The regional transit authority is viewed first as the output of the political system in an extensive review of the legislative history of the bill's passage. The regional transit authority is then viewed as the political system and examines the formation, operations and intergovernmental relations of the authorities. Emphasis is directed to the outcome of regional transit authority operations and to the impact on the political, social and economic environments. Regional transit authorities are found to be valuable public bodies, well worth the minimal burden placed upon the taxpayer. The state now advocates expansion of existing agencies rather than formation of new ones. Restrictions on local and federal funding have created a dilemna for the authorities, straining their resourcefulness and requiring innovative policy-making by the state.

• Corporate Authors:

  Praeger Publishers, Incorporated

  111 Fourth Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10003
• Authors:
  • Glacel, B P
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Pagination: 297 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Legislation; Nationalization; Ownership; Policy making; Politics; State government; Subsidies; Taxation; Transit operating agencies
• Geographic Terms: Massachusetts
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Finance; Highways; Law; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00392829
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1985 12:00AM