Leave the Driving to Us

A Massachusetts bill, sponsored by state Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D–Newton), would require transportation officials to set statewide goals for cutting vehicle miles traveled starting in 2030 and every five years after that. Creem says her goal is to help the state meet its climate goals by reducing the total number of miles people drive across the whole state. She insists the bill will not limit the number of miles anyone can drive but will spur planners to invest more in public transit, biking, and walking. Critics, including some Republicans, say it could negatively affect people who rely on cars, especially in rural parts of the state. The bill advanced in November and is now being considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.