Mass. Residents To Weigh In On Transit Reform

Western Mass. residents get their chance to weigh in on plans to overhaul the state's transportation infrastructure, including Gov. Deval Patrick's call for a 19-cent gas tax hike.

The Transportation Committee will hold the first of a series of public hearings on two transportation plans - one offered by Patrick and a second offered by the Massachusetts Senate.

Patrick's plan relies on a 19-cent gas tax increase to help offset toll increases and potential MBTA fare hikes.

The first hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Springfield Technical Community College.

Other public hearings are planned for the South Shore, Methuen and the Boston area.

Critics say a recession is the worst time for a tax hike.