The Healthy Transportation Compact (Compact) is a requirement under the 2009 Massachusetts transportation reform legislation. The goals of the initiative are to facilitate transportation decisions that balance all transportation modes and users, expand mobility, improve health, support a cleaner environment, and create stronger communities. This legislation is supported by the Secretary and CEO of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the MassDOT Highway Administrator, the MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator, and the Commissioner of Public Health.
The transportation reform legislation requires Compact to facilitate policy and program support in order to facilitate transportation decisions. This support includes the promotion of interagency cooperation on State and Federal policies that promote healthy transportation. In addition, Compact is charged with the following: reducing greenhouse gas emissions; increasing bicycle and pedestrian travel; working with the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to implement complete streets; implementing health impact assessments; expanding safe routes to school programs; initiating public-private partnerships that support efficient transportation; establishing an advisory council; and, developing goals and performance measures for Compact.
To achieve these transportation improvements, MassDOT is committed to facilitating coordination among the public and private sector, advocacy groups, land use, and public health stakeholders. To address public health problems and promote healthy transportation, MassDOT started Mass in Motion in January 2009 to promote wellness and prevent obesity. Mass in Motion emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and activity, which are both a priority of HealthyMass Compact.
For more information, contact Catherine Cagle, LEED AP, RLA, MassDOT, Manager of Sustainable Transportation at catherine.cagle@state.ma.us.
