Boston

While Boston’s EV sales are rising year-on-year and Massachusetts has agreed to follow California’s 2035 ban on internal combustion engine car sales, the city still lags behind top performers. EV market share in sales in Boston are less than a third of San Francisco’s. To close this gap Boston can expand its existing monetary incentives package — such as increasing subsidies for purchases and charger installations or offering toll discounts. Massachusetts residents currently can receive up to $7,500 in tax credits for buying an EV. Introducing non-monetary incentives, such as special access lanes, also can encourage more residents to choose an EV for their next car purchase. Lastly, introducing low-emission zones will further encourage EV usage and purchases.

Throughout Boston, particularly in areas farther from the city center, many residents have long walks to public transit stations. Low station density results in low ridership. The city can add bus stops and new routes to help connect residents with the T, the city’s metro. This cost-effective improvement would help lower walking distances and overall commute times. Boston has made headway in this effort, with plans to roll out 25% more bus services between 2023 and 2028. If Boston invests in zero-emission buses as part of this initiative, it can also improve sustainability at the same time. Extending existing T lines and adding new line options will be key to expanding the city’s public transit offering for residents, but this effort will be a time-intensive and expensive undertaking.