June 23, 2008 Report: Mass. transit systems at critical point Play video

(Josh McElveen, NECN) - There is a new report out that shows just how many roads in Massachusetts are in desperate need of repair. The report also details how much it is costing the taxpayers to fix those roads.

NECN's Josh McElveen has details.

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As the Bay State bridges continue to age, some fear getting places will become more difficult and dangerous, and that's just the beginning.

"Our roads, our rail lines, our transit buses aren't safe either."

A new report by the national transportation research group known as TRIP, paints a troubling picture of the overall transit system in Massachusetts. From public buses, to commuter rails, to the highways themselves, the report suggests Massachusetts is reaching a critical point.

Compiled through several federal and state agencies, TRIP reports that 38 percent of MBTA buses are in poor or marginal condition, but that number jumps to a whopping 84 percent for commuter rail coaches, and according to the study, more than half of the bridges in the Bay State are structurally deficient, or functionally obsolete.

In addition, the report finds that roads and highways in Massachusetts are rapidly decaying with more than a third in poor or fair condition.

On Monday, the Executive Office of Transportation responded to the report in a statement saying, "we are aware of the data regarding the condition of our infrastructure, we are also aware of the longstanding gap between infrastructure

The EOT also points out, there are billions of dollars in repairs currently under debate in the legislature, but some have suggested that lawmakers look at a gas tax or even toll expansion to generate the revenue.

"Many, many pieces of infrastructure that would help bring our transit system into the 21st century are right now standing in line waiting for funding.”