Study: Mass. Faces Huge Transportation Deficits

An analysis by a regional think tank says the state's highway system faces a $240 million operating shortfall for the next fiscal year, while the MBTA is facing a $130 million deficit.

The budget analysis released Monday by the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University does not include money to address a backlog of repair and replacement needs or to improve transportation.

Transportation Secretary Richard Davey said tax, toll and fare hikes may be needed, but his department needs to do its job, too.

"What I've heard from the public is they're willing to pay a little more, but we have to make sure that they're seeing their dollars invested wisely," Davey said.

The center released the figures as part of an analysis attempting to establish statistical benchmarks to gauge the financial state of the transportation system, and to grade it on accessibility, infrastructure health and regional equity.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom