Is planning failing? : the impacts of decision making processes on the Green Line Extension

Abstract

Research was conducted on the proposed Green Line Extension, a light rail corridor from Cambridge through Somerville and Medford, Massachusetts. The project is being undertaken by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Due to legal commitments and agreements, the line must be in revenue service by December 31, 2014, or the state faces penalties. Interviews, literature review and personal experience come together to explore the process behind completing such a large, complex infrastructure project. It is theorized, and confirmed, that a strong articulated and utilized policy statement will help the state complete this project with greater speed and efficiency. In order to confirm this hypothesis, each problem facing the project process is broken down and examined for the ability to improve the project process. Findings include the need for greater accountability, organizational reform and regulation overhaul. The research is applicable not only to the current work on the Green Line Extension, but to similar infrastructure projects state- and nation-wide. Finally, the thesis proposes that trust in planners has failed in a variety of ways. This lack of trust manifests itself in poor projects and a poor process. Generating a greater level of trust in planners and the planning process will create significant improvements to future endeavors.