BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congressman Michael Capuano today announced that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s New England University Transportation Center will receive $1,633,200 from the Department of Transportation to fund research into the management of cars and mass transit. The funds will help MIT work on system operations and public policy formulation, including developing more efficient transportation systems and improving the political and institutional processes involved in transportation planning.

 

"Massachusetts faces a unique set of transportation challenges, from improving access to public transportation and commuter rail service to halting the practice of routing major transportation pathways through lower income neighborhoods," Senator Kerry said. "These funds will allow MIT to continue its critical work and make certain that future transportation planning in Massachusetts will be environmentally and socially responsible without putting an undue burden on the taxpayers. I commend the DOT for investing in a program that is so vital to the people of Massachusetts and to the future of our state’s transportation services."

 

Senator Kennedy said, “I applaud the Department of Transportation’s commitment to improving the transit of Massachusetts. This grant will enable the scholars at MIT to continue their important work, developing better transportation systems and operations for the people of Massachusetts.”

 

“These funds will allow MIT to continue its work exploring all aspects of urban transportation, from mass transit to automobile use. Their findings can help identify ways to improve our transportation infrastructure and increase its efficiency, which provides benefits to our economy and our environment,” stated Congressman Mike Capuano.

 

"We appreciate the continued support of Senator Kerry, Senator Kennedy and Congressman Capuano for MIT's New England University Transportation Center," said MIT President Susan Hockfield. "Continued funding of this important initiative allows us to provide young transportation professionals with the training necessary to develop innovative, high quality transportation programs that will help enhance the quality of life for residents of Boston, Massachusetts and the region."

 
 

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