TRANSPORTATION

A preview of Mass. political strategies on immigration, upcoming gig worker regulatory battles, a sewage sludge ban, and why state lawmakers won't target the Red Sox.

Today on The Rundown, we discuss the reasons behind ongoing college closures, what's next for the PVTA after finding success in fare-free rides, and the legacy of two local leaders who passed this week.

House Speaker Ron Mariano, traditionally a fierce critic of the ballot initiative process, signaled a major shift last week by expressing a willingness to negotiate on one of the state’s most high-stakes and debated proposals.

The plan is called 'Compass Rail', and residents will see the earliest project materialize around 2030, with the so-called Inland Route — or what officials are calling the first phase of West -East Rail — connecting Springfield to Worcester and Boston.

The shells, shipped from China, are used at CRRC's Springfield manufacturing facility to create subway cars for the MBTA. They had been impounded by the Department of Homeland Security this past summer, over concerns they had been made with forced labor.

In NEPM's weekly chat with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, he talks about the ongoing war on Iran, ICE agents being called to serve at local airports and more.

At a recent Massachusetts Department of Transportation board meeting, there were several updates to the proposed expansion of passenger rail service in the state including more trains between Springfield and NYC.

Population growth is important for a thriving community. A recent UMass Donahue Wayfinders report projected population declines in all four WMass counties between 2020 and 2035.

A Legislative budget hearing focused on the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Executive Office of Transportation and the Registry of Motor Vehicles will be held this week.

Gas prices are climbing slightly in Massachusetts due in part to the U.S. and Israel's strikes on Iran this weekend and a general rise in prices during this time in the season.