Proudly serving Abington, Braintree, Hanover, Holbrook, Quincy, & Rockland
Public Transportation & Infrastructure
Safe, affordable, and reliable transportation is the backbone to a strong economy, and key to quality of life. The MBTA, Commuter Rail, bus lines, and the many roads throughout the Norfolk and Plymouth Senate District are all critical transportation lifelines that carry people to and from work, school, shopping, medical appointments, and everywhere in between. Because residents rely so heavily on this transportation network, it is critical that investing in it is a priority.
Locally, John worked to help secure funding for investments of nearly $911 million for the Red Line. The work has included winter resiliency upgrades, work on the garages at the Braintree and Quincy Adams stations, the reconstruction of the Wollaston Station, a new garage at the North Quincy Station, and a new, advanced signal system. New Red Line cars are appearing more often, but not fast enough. John continues to push MBTA leadership to spur and consider production alternatives.
In terms of local infrastructure, Route 18 in Abington has been widened. In Braintree, Route 37 has seen significant upgrades. Union Street in Holbrook has been redesigned and upgraded with new paving and pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and “Complete Streets” planning in Rockland is moving forward. And in Quincy, a brand-new bridge now spans the Fore River, the reconstruction of Sea Street is progressing, and planning moves forward on upgrades to the Route 3A/Hancock Street corridor.
In government, as with most things in life, the challenge is finding the right balance. As discussions surrounding transportation policy across the Commonwealth continue, the focus must be on reform, oversight, and fiscal prudence, while continuing to make investments in our transportation infrastructure. These steps will ensure a safe and reliable transportation system, making local economies stronger and communities more appealing places to live.
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The Ferry
Along with Representative Bruce Ayers and the Quincy delegation, John joined with the City of Quincy over several years to push for ferry service from Squantum Point Park to Boston. After an initial partnership with the Town of Winthrop, Quincy has now partnered with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Ferry to offer a direct route from Quincy to Boston, completely avoiding vehicular traffic. The ferry service also has other lines servicing additional coastal communities, find a complete list here.
Upgrades to the Quincy line were made possible in part by the June 2025 Supplemental Budget—funded by surplus revenue from the Fair Share surtax on incomes over $1 million, which allocates approximately $716 million for transportation and $593.5 million for education at every level.
Within those millions for public Transportation, funds were earmarked for the Quincy ferry services.
Two refurbished passenger ferries, formerly operated in New York Harbor under New York Water Taxi, were added to the MBTA’s fleet. They both underwent overhaul work at Fairhaven Shipyard, before entering service in summer of 2025.
The ferry is an investment in the community and will continue to improve economic opportunities.
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Senator Keenan's Transportation Bills
S.2398, An Act directing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to place naloxone in subway stations
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a nasal spray that can stave off fatal overdoses. A budget amendment filed by Sen. Keenan signed into law directed the MBTA to make naloxone available at all MBTA Red Line stations, a legal mandate to which the T only partially and temporarily adhered. This legislation seeks to make naloxone available at every MBTA subway station.
This bill was heard by the Joint Committee on Transportation on 10/07/2025.
Read more here.
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