MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FILING OF NEXT STEPS TO REBUILD LONG ISLAND BRIDGE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FILING OF NEXT STEPS TO REBUILD LONG ISLAND BRIDGE

Boston files notice of intent with the Boston Conservation Commission with plans to rebuild Long Island bridge, moving forward Boston's commitment to create a recovery campus on Long Island

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today filed a notice of intent for the rebuilding of Long Island bridge with the Boston Conservation Commission, taking another step forward in Boston's plans to create a long-term recovery campus on the island. This filing builds on the Walsh Administration's commitment to ensuring every person who needs access to recovery services has the resources they need. "For many people, including myself, Long Island played a vital role in Boston's recovery landscape -- and it will again," said Mayor Walsh. "Tackling the opioid crisis means using each and every tool we have, and this is an important next step to ensure Long Island can serve as a resource for those in Boston, and those from surrounding areas, who are struggling with substance use disorders." "Boston is a healthcare hub, with state-of-the-art hospitals and addiction treatment facilities that draw people in need from across the state to seek care and access a path to recovery," said Marty Martinez, Chief of Health and Human Services. "We are proud to offer these inroads to care, regardless of a client's origins, and we look forward to building out Long Island to further support all of the most vulnerable who come to us seeking help and support." The notice of intent filed today specifies the method by which the bridge will be rebuilt. Closed on an emergency basis in 2014 for public safety reasons, the superstructure of the bridge was removed in 2015 with the support of all relevant federal, state, and local permitting agencies. Since the emergency closing of the bridge, all 742 shelter beds and all 225 recovery beds from Long Island were replaced, with additional capacity for both the homeless and recovery communities. In his January 2018 inauguration, Mayor Walsh pledged to rebuild the bridge, and create a comprehensive, long-term recovery campus on the island. While the island previously also served the homeless, homeless services will not be returning to the island. Read this message from Mayor Walsh on how the City of Boston is working to house the homeless through Boston's Way Home. Through Boston's recently released capital plan, Boston will invest $80 million in new funding to rebuild the bridge to Long Island, for a total of $92 million to go towards the project. In order to minimize impacts on the seafloor around the bridge, the bridge replacement superstructure component will be assembled offsite and then floated into place on barges. The new bridge will be similar to the original 1951 bridge, with one lane in each direction and sidewalks, as well as an open channel for boats below. The design and materials from the original bridge will be updated to ensure a longer-lasting structure that will be able to serve those in recovery for decades to come. "Boston is a national leader in recovery services. This bridge represents Boston's ongoing commitment to those who are struggling with substance use disorders," said Jen Tracey, Director of Boston's Office of Recovery Services. "As the opioid epidemic continues nationally, we are approaching it from all angles in Boston, taking bold steps and working with partners in the community to create a continuum of care and resources for those in every stage of recovery. Having bridge access to Long Island will allow us space to create a long-term recovery campus that will fill the existing gaps we're identifying." The rebuilding of Long Island bridge and Mayor Walsh's commitment to creating a recovery campus, which will serve individuals in and around Boston who need access to recovery services, highlights the Walsh Administration's work in tackling the national opioid crisis, and its effects on Boston and surrounding towns. Recovery service providers in Boston have emphasized the need to fill existing gaps in the continuum of care, or the array of services offered to those in each stage of recovery from addiction. Particularly for those who may have co-occurring disorders and are battling behavioral health issues alongside addiction, ensuring that the individual is supported fully throughout recovery is critical. "Mayor Walsh's essential budget priority to invest rebuilding Boston's Long Island bridge and siting a recovery campus for our city's most vulnerable seeking treatment could not happen quickly enough," said Founder and President/CEO of Victory Programs Inc, Jonathan D. Scott. "Historically for the last 150 years Boston's Long Island has been specifically used for this kind of fundamental healthcare initiative, especially for our poorest and most disenfranchised. With a new bridge and a recovery campus, Mayor Walsh is ensuring new hope against the complex crisis of addiction, and suitable, necessary and best purpose for the city owned Harbor Island." "Having Long Island available for quality services will help build a bridge of hope for the too many people in need of addiction treatment and recover," said Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery Executive Director, Maryanne Frangules. In 2015, Mayor Walsh created the Office of Recovery Services to study substance use in Boston and lead the city's strategy around substance use disorders and recovery. This is the first and only municipal recovery office in the nation. In 2016, Mayor Walsh launched the new 311 for Recovery Services 24/7 hotline support system to help people struggling with addiction to access all levels of recovery services. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) has created innovative programs and taken steps to address substance use disorders. These include the Personal Advancement for Individuals in Recovery Initiative (PAIR), which offers a scholarship program for low-income individuals in early recovery to spend on college or training courses. In addition, the office has expanded the City's access to care program, PAATHS, with additional staff members and extended operating hours to ensure around the clock access to detoxification, residential programs, medication-assisted treatment, and support for caregivers. The City of Boston has also invested in outreach workers to bring recovery service interventions to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The outreach workers are equipped with naloxone (Narcan) and have the ability to connect people with the appropriate recovery services and supports. Together with the ORS, Boston has created a daytime engagement center for homeless individuals that hosts programming and access to medical, recovery, housing and job search services. The street outreach workers guide people to the center, which sees more than 300 visits a day. The engagement center, which began as a pilot, was permanently funded in Boston's fiscal year 2019 budget due to its success. In his first weeks in office, Mayor Walsh mandated the life-saving medication naloxone be carried in every public safety vehicle in the city. Police, firefighters, and EMTs are using this tool to save lives on a daily basis. In addition, the city provides ongoing overdose prevention and intervention training for family members, community members, private businesses, and city employees, training more than 10,000 people a year. Mayor Walsh serves as the Chair of the National Task Force on Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery Services for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, guiding mayors around the country in innovative approaches to the addiction crisis. The rebuilding of the Long Island bridge, and building a recovery campus, will further the Walsh Administration's commitment to creating resources and services for all those who are in need. The next steps in the rebuilding of Long Island bridge include filing a notice of intent with the Quincy Conservation Commission. Construction on the bridge replacement is expected to begin in 2019.

CAPAC and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

CAPAC and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is celebrated each May to recognize the history, contributions, and achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. To commemorate this month-long observance, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional Leaders released the following statements:

CAPAC Leadership

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Each May, we come together to celebrate the vibrant history and widespread contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our nation. As laborers who helped build the first transcontinental railroad and contribute to the farm worker movement, and military service members who have fought valiantly in battles dating back to the American Civil War, the rich cultural heritage of the AAPI community is inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation.  From our indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to our more recent refugee and immigrant populations, AAPIs have also planted deep roots in their local communities as small business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, scientists, and public servants.

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the tireless work of generations of AAPIs who came before us and recommit ourselves to advancing the work that still lies ahead. Together, we have the power to speak out against dangerous policies targeting immigrant, refugee, and minority populations and to build a brighter future for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of our diversity and the contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make to our nation every day. We are a nation of immigrants, whose ancestors came to America seeking liberty, prosperity, and human dignity. As we celebrate APA Heritage Month, we should be mindful of this history and remember that ours was a country founded on compassion and justice. I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring the heritages of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and I encourage all Americans to take time during APA Heritage Month to appreciate the achievements and patriotism of the AAPI community.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“This month, we celebrate and honor our country’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The AAPI community has made indelible contributions to American society and culture and continues to demonstrate the importance and value of diversity and inclusion. As an Asian American, I am grateful for the AAPI trailblazers who carved a path for people like me to thrive fields like public service, art, education, business, research, science, journalism and entertainment. Ensuring people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed is the best thing we can do for our country.”

U.S. Senators

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

"Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on and take pride in the numerous contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout our nation’s history and of the continued contributions of our children and our children’s children. As we celebrate our community this May, we should also look ahead and continue to work for progress for our community and ensure the American Dream remains within reach for all.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“As we observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the progress AAPI communities have made across the country. However, these are unusual times. As communities of color are attacked by the Trump administration, we must all continue the work that we’re doing and increase our efforts to achieve equality and opportunity for all.”

House Congressional Leadership

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), House Democratic Leader:

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize the immense contributions that this beautiful and diverse population has made to our nation.  For generations, Asian Pacific American communities have come to our shores to pursue the American Dream, bringing their rich cultures and wonderful traditions.  Many of these courageous Americans overcame persecution, injustice and bigotry to strengthen our country and, in the process, exemplified what it means to be an American. 

“For generations, proud Asian Pacific American men and women have bravely defended our nation and become an enduring part of our unique American story.  In San Francisco, we are immensely proud of the richness and diversity that our vibrant AAPI community has brought to our city.  We like to say that the beauty is in the mix, and generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have built our city, invigorated our community and enriched all our lives. 

“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us celebrate the AAPI community’s undaunted spirit and the role they have played in our history and the contributions they are making to our future.  We can honor these proud Americans by reaffirming our legacy as a nation of immigrants and fulfilling our most basic promise that out of many, we are one.”

Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), House Democratic Whip:

“Throughout May, we pay tribute to the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.  I join in celebrating the diverse cultures that form a critical part of our American fabric and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation.  In business, government, sports, the arts, science, and military service, they continue to help make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. 
 
“In Congress, I’ve been proud to work closely with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), led by Chairwoman Judy Chu, to make opportunities more accessible to workers and their families, to expand access to quality health care and education, to stand up for the rights of immigrants, and to combat racism and xenophobia.  Together, we will continue fighting to protect voting rights, to ensure justice is blind, and to create good jobs that offer pathways to long-term economic security.  As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month together, let us resolve to continue standing up for our shared values and common vision of an America where all are able to get ahead.”

Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-14), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:

“During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the rich histories, cultures and contributions the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made to our country. From science to the arts, our AAPI brothers and sisters have enriched and shaped every aspect of American society. I am proud to join CAPAC and my fellow Americans in this celebration, and to reaffirm my commitment to elevate and promote opportunity for the AAPI community in Congress.”

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:

“I’m proud to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to celebrate the AAPI community in our country. Their involvement in the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce highlights the many contributions AAPIs make to enrich and strengthen our society’s cultural fabric. I am incredibly proud to represent cities that are known throughout Southern California and the world for their prominent Asian Pacific American communities. I join with my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues to ensure that the concerns and needs of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are heard in Congress.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“The AAPI community has made exceptional contributions to our country throughout history. Hawai‘i’s own leaders like Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the Nisei-only 442nd Infantry Regiment, and our Filipino WWII Veterans have shaped our collective history by breaking down barriers and working with unwavering conviction to better the lives of all Americans. Our AAPI community today continues to lead across every sector—from government, business, and military service, to culture, arts, technology, healthcare, and so much more.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“It is an honor and privilege to represent a district as diverse as California’s 34th Congressional District. From the communities of Koreatown, Chinatown, and Historic Filipinotown, to the neighborhoods of Little Tokyo and Little Bangladesh, Los Angeles provides a diversity of art, culture, and cuisine unlike any other city in the country. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I join my colleagues in honoring the immense contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to America’s greater story and I’m proud to be one of their representatives in Congress.”

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01):

“As we mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by honoring the contributions our community has made to America, let us remember that there is so much more work to be done. Hawaii is the only majority-AAPI state in the country. Our history is full of examples of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders working to build the foundations of our state’s success in business, education, military service, science, engineering and the arts. The AAPI community is one of the fastest growing groups in America. But as our country continues to diversify we must recognize that we live in challenging times. Divisive rhetoric, discrimination and racism have been given a prominent platform in America. It is up to all of us to remember the struggles of those who came before us. As we honor their work, let us remember their perseverance and continue their fight for equality.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“The many contributions that Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to the community in Silicon Valley and to our country are a testimony to the benefits of embracing diversity. We must ensure that America remains a nation where people from all backgrounds are free to pursue their potential and the American dream.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“This May, I’m proud to join communities across the country in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. By opening new businesses, participating in the arts, serving in elected office, and pioneering new scientific discoveries, the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans are a vital part of our nation’s civic, economic, and cultural development. The East Bay’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and I am proud to represent such a vibrant Asian Pacific American community. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and co-chair of the CAPAC Health Care Task Force, I’m committed to expanding opportunity and ensuring that every family can realize the American Dream.”

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-06):

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues in celebrating the profound impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on American life. From contributions in the arts, to science, to civic life, the AAPI community has played in an important role in enhancing our country’s multifaceted identity. This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating those contributions and look for ways to value diversity in their communities.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I’m thrilled to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) with my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the nation and in Queens. APAHM is a joyous month to reflect on the unique and many contributions that AAPIs have made to our country. Our participation in American society has grown exponentially since the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843.

“From the Chinese workers who built the Transcontinental Railroad to the millions of small business owners across America, AAPIs are part of the American social fabric. Today, it is encouraging to see AAPIs are participating in our political system, the military, academia, entertainment, and sports. They are actors and actresses, politicians, doctors, lawyers, bankers, athletes and soldiers. While we celebrate our shared success, we must also invest in overcoming inequality and ensure AAPIs have an equal chance at the American Dream. In Congress, I will continue to fight for policies that ensure AAPIs receive equal treatment and justice and to have our contributions to American society recognized nationally.”

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03):

“I am proud to celebrate Asian American Pacific/Islander (AAPI) heritage month. During this time, we reflect on the many contributions that the AAPI community has made in the development and success of this country. The APPI community has been an integral part of the story of America.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41):

“Each year, the month of May is a time to recognize the many contributions Americans of Asian and Pacific Island descent have made to the United States. Members of the AAPI community have been an essential part of our nation for centuries. We have created businesses, developed new technologies, produced great works of art, and served America in times of peace and times of war. As I join my colleagues in CAPAC to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I do so with pride in all that we have achieved and excitement for all the achievements yet to come.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09):

“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their invaluable contributions to our country. Asian Pacific Americans have made many contributions throughout our nation’s history and I am proud that many call California and my district home.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates the history and lasting contributions of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to San Diego and our country.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States with more immigrants originating from the Asia-Pacific region than anywhere else in the world. San Diego’s AAPI community has emulated that growth to become a political, economic, and social force in our city. It’s one of San Diego’s greatest strengths, which is why I’m working to create greater economic opportunity and oppose backwards immigration policies, so our AAPI community can continue to grow and thrive. I hope you all will join me this May in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, it is a privilege for me to salute my district's diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander population, and AAPI families from coast to coast, for all their contributions to our country.  AAPIs enrich our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our culture each and every day, and have been pivotal to making America a strong, just, prosperous, and forward-thinking nation.  In the years to come, our AAPI community will continue to play an essential role in making America a more perfect union.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and vast contributions Asian Pacific Americans have made to the United States. I am proud to represent a district in the Pacific Northwest with a significant Asian Pacific American community that enriches and strengthens our entire region. During this month, we also reflect on the deep-rooted history of Asian Pacific Americans in our country and their continued work to make our country stronger.”

AG HEALEY OPPOSES ROLLBACK OF CRITICAL VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS

AG HEALEY OPPOSES ROLLBACK OF CRITICAL VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS

Joins Multistate Challenge to Scott Pruitt’s Decision to Abandon Achievable Pollution Limits That Would Save Drivers an Estimated $1,650 Per Car

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its rollback of critical federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-duty trucks.

“These commonsense limits on tailpipe pollution have done more than any other measure to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, increase miles per gallon fuel economy and save drivers money on gas,” said AG Healey. “Scott Pruitt has once again illegally handed EPA decision-making over to fossil-fuel lobbyists, while sticking the American people with dirtier air and higher prices at the pump. Since the public can no longer depend on the EPA to protect their interests, we are fighting to defend the standards.”

Globally, the transportation sector is the fastest growing source of dangerous greenhouse gas pollution. Cars and light duty trucks make up 60 percent of the country’s transportation sector and are the main driver for U.S. dependence on oil, including foreign imports. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the transportation sector has surpassed the electric power sector and is now the nation’s largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. 

Beginning in 2010, the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and California Air Resources Board established a single national program of greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2012-2025 vehicles. This program allows automakers to design and manufacture for a single national program in all states.

The federal standards the states are suing to protect, for model year 2022-2025 vehicles, are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 540 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 422 million cars from the road, and to save drivers $1,650 per vehicle.

In January 2017, EPA determined, in its “midterm evaluation,” that the 2022-25 standards are readily achievable by the auto industry. After an extensive technical review, based in significant part on information from industry, advocates, and other interested parties, EPA found that “automakers are well positioned to meet the standards at lower costs than previous estimated.”

However, last month the EPA arbitrarily reversed course and claimed that the greenhouse gas emissions standards for model years 2022-2025 vehicles should be scrapped. The Administration offered no evidence to support this decision and deferred any analysis to a forthcoming rulemaking designed to try to weaken the existing 2022-2025 standards.

Filed today in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the lawsuit is based on the fact that the EPA acted arbitrarily and capriciously, failed to follow its own Clean Car regulations, and violated the Clean Air Act. 

Joining AG Healey in filing today’s lawsuit were the Attorneys General of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania (also filed by and through its Department of Environmental Protection), Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Minnesota filed by and through its Pollution Control Agency and Department of Transportation. This coalition represents approximately 44 percent of the U.S. population and 43 percent of the new car sales market nationally.

波士頓區塊鍊週活動之一(圖片)

亦來雲聯合創始人韓鋒(右)出席波士頓區塊鍊週活動，在南車站對面
的WeWork和出席者分享經驗。(周菊子攝)

張紹遠你問我答 竭盡所能助人創業 (圖片)

曾為Paypal高館的張紹遠(David Chang)近年已Personal VC聯合創辦人
身分，積極協助初創企業者發展。日前應StartUp Institute
之邀，做"你問我答"嘉賓。(周菊子攝)

昆山杜克大學校長晤波士頓武漢校友(圖片)

昆山杜克大學校長劉經南紡波士頓，晤武漢大學校友。(周菊子攝)

武漢大學校友文龍(中)邀劉經南出席哈佛中國教育論壇，晤本地武漢
校友。(周菊子攝)

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Innovative Transportation Network Company Ride Data Website

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Innovative Transportation Network Company Ride Data Website

Massachusetts Home to 64.8 Million Rideshare Trips in 2017

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today became the first state in the nation to launch a website containing data about Transportation Network Companies and the origin, destination, and other metrics captured by ridesharing services operating in the Commonwealth. The portal further continues the framework established by Governor Baker following the implementation of legislation creating a modern statewide regulatory framework for TNCs, and is the most comprehensive statewide ridesharing data in the country.

“We’re pleased to be the first state in the nation to create a clearinghouse that informs Massachusetts riders on the ridesharing services they use, and we look forward to continuing our work with Transportation Network Companies and cities towns to provide transparent, comprehensive data,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

Developed by the Department of Public Utilities and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, the online portal provides comprehensive, transparent data and interactive maps depicting ridesharing statistics by location, population, and demographic. The information, which will be aggregated yearly, was collected as part of the Commonwealth’s overall regulatory framework of TNCs and will enable municipalities to further understand how their communities are serviced by these companies. 

“The Baker-Polito Administration’s launch of a website containing comprehensive ride data represents a significant step towards providing useful tools for our communities and planning authorities to understand how the Commonwealth’s transportation landscape is evolving and being shaped by the advent Transportation Network Companies,” said Department of Public Utilities Chairman Angela O’Connor.

“Putting this data on-line and in a way that makes it accessible to policy makers and the public helps everyone gain new insights,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Mark Nunnelly. “Publishing Massachusetts specific rideshare data has helped to ground policy discussions and spark new lines of questions for further analysis.”

The website, created in accordance with An Act Regulating Transportation Network Companies which authorized the creation of regulations by which to obtain this data from rideshare services, provides residents and communities with comprehensive statistics about ride origin, destination, duration, as well as information about rider demographics. Specifically, the data captured the following:

• In 2017 there were approximately 64.8 million rideshare trips started in Massachusetts.
• A total of 34.9 million rides originated in Boston, which is the most of any city or town. This is roughly five times the next highest municipality, Cambridge, with just more than 6.8 million.
• Of the rides that started in Boston, 1.8 million were out of Boston Logan International Airport.
• Suffolk and Middlesex Counties were the starting points for more than 80% of all trips in the state. They were also two of the top three counties in per capita rides along with Nantucket.
• Hampshire County has the highest rides started per capita outside of the Cape and Islands and Greater Boston

Since January 2017, the Department of Public Utilities’ Transportation Network Company Division has implemented the most comprehensive state background checks for TNC drivers in the country, and has approved 150,000 individuals to operate as TNC drivers, though not all are currently active drivers. Drivers engaged in providing transportation services on behalf of Transportation Network Companies undergo a full state Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check, including confirmation that the driver is not a registered sex offender. Additionally, drivers are subjected to a bi-annual national commercial background check conducted by the TNC companies.

世界醫藥創新論壇探討人工智能 麻州長查理貝克致詞

夥伴健康(Partners Health)集團董事長暨執行長David Torchiana。
(周菊子攝)

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)夥伴健康(Partners Health)集團為期三日的2018世界醫藥創新論壇，4月25日落幕，1700名與會者從各種角度探討人工智能(AI)對醫療世界的影響，絕大多數認為變化可能天翻地覆，但個人隱私，法規管制，數據的蒐集、整合，病人及醫生對人工智能的接受度等等許多複雜元素，仍將是漫漫長路上需要超越的挑戰。

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)。(周菊子攝)

             今年是夥伴健康集團第四度舉辦”世界醫藥創新論壇”，繼神經科學，腫瘤癌症，心臟等針對疾病的主題後，呼應世界潮流，探討對醫療界有全面影響的”人工智能”。

             夥伴健康首席學術長Anne Klibanski在開幕致詞中透露，該公司有員工74000人，每年的研發經費支出逾17億元，在數據整合，管理，計算上，長期投資。今年的會議將側重交流，促進人工智能在醫療界的實施、應用，讓真正的精準治療得以出現。

             夥伴健康執行長David Torchiana表示，今年的會議有來自30多個不同國家的人參加，有140多名專家，業界人士分享經驗，更難得的是還有注重數位醫療(digital health)的麻州州長親自出席致歡迎詞。

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             麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)直言人工智能很重要，有這麼多頂尖的相關業界人士匯聚，實在難得，他很羨慕能全程出席的人。他提及自己的外祖父是外科醫生，母親晚年時曾患老人痴呆症，自己曾在醫藥界工作，親眼見證了醫療界這些年來的許多驚人發展與變化。他認為”人工智能”有極大潛力，可改善醫療方法，設備與流程，更重要的是可以讓人們更容易得到更多做相關決定所需的資訊，但”人工智能”將給人類社會帶來什麼影響，實在也很難預測，人們一路走下去，可能需要更謹慎。

PHS科學長Keith Dreyer(左)訪談輝達(Nvidia)執行長黃仁勳
(Jensen Huang)(右)。(周菊子攝(

             這會議為期三日，涵蓋的範圍十分廣泛，更由於”人工智能”這主題，不下三分之一為企業執行長的140多名高管講者，不但來自哈佛醫學院及其附屬醫院，Vertex，諾華(Novartis)，強生(Johnson & Johnson)，羅氏(Roche)，賽諾菲(Sanofi)，輝瑞(Pfizer)等大製藥公司，更包括了諸如微軟，谷歌，高通(Qualcomm)，通用電子(GE)，國際機器(IBM)，西門子(Simens)等科技公司麾下的醫療事業分支，還有戴爾(Dell)電腦公司，思科(Cisco)，以及北極星合夥人(Polaris Partners)，Sante 創投，北極光創投，輿圖(Atlas)創投等風險投資公司。

Terason創辦人暨董事長史美芳(左)也在會後向Nvidia
執行長黃仁勳(右)提問。(周菊子攝)

             發明圖形處理晶片(GPU)的輝達(Nvidia，又稱英偉達)公司執行長黃仁勳(Jensen Huang)，做為大會主要贊助者及主講者，也因為醫療領域應用人工智能的前景無限美好，來到會場，在”爐邊談話”中分享了他的看法。他直指人工智能與機器深度學習幾乎是一體兩面，機器必要具備足夠運算能力，才能深度學習，進而擬人或以超人的致能來適當處理、分析數據。他認為在這人工智能的發展趨勢下，軟體甚至能夠經由深度學習，自行設計，製造出新軟體來因應需求。

北極光創投副董事長楊磊列席座談。(周菊子攝)

             去年營業額達97億餘美元，今年員工數增致11528的Nvidia，已在3D產品，區塊鍊及人工智能的推動中，備受矚目，分析師甚至喊出每股300元的價格。

             在人工智能與醫療結合上，政府法規如何制定，其實也很重要。大會的”爐邊談話”之一，邀請了川普總統指派的美國醫療護理及醫療補助服務(Medicare and Medicaid Services)執行長Seema Verma來討論。她以自己和丈夫在外度假，丈夫突然身體出狀況，緊急送醫，出院後，他們做為病人竟拿不到自己的完整醫療紀錄為例，侃談人工智能可有效改善這種數據資料散亂不全情況，以及可能涉及的醫患關係，醫療行政作業，法令規定等錯綜關係。

            在6場”爐邊談話”之外，2018世界醫藥創新論壇還安排了14場座談，從人工智能對臨床醫療，基因測序，新藥研發，藥物或醫療費用，醫院行政作業效率，急診室環境，醫患之間的倫理道德等的影響，做各種角度探討。

             不少醫生坦言最期待的就是人工智能可以減輕他們在醫治病人之外，還需要承擔的撰寫醫療報告等行政作業負擔，讓醫生們有更充裕時間過正常人生活。

PHS醫療長Gregg Meyer(左)訪談美國醫療護理及醫療補助服務局行政長
Seema Verma(右)。(周菊子攝)

             這場會議，還安排有”第一眼(First Look)”，”顛覆的一打(Disruptive Dozen)”這兩個環節。

今年的"第一眼"有麻省總醫院(MGH)，布里根醫療(Brigham Health)的19人獲選，各做10分鐘介紹。來自麻省總醫院的Sabine Wilhelm醫師，以及來自布里根及婦女醫院(BWH)的Ziad Obermeyer，獲得Peter K. Ranney創新獎，拿到獎金10000元。

PHS請12項可能顛覆醫療領域科技的發明團隊代表出席解說。其中
唯一的亞裔面孔為Long Le(左五)。(周菊子攝)

哈佛醫學院副教授Quanzheng Li，是獲選的19人之一。他展示了應用可深度學習系統來檢測氣胸量化是否出現嚴重情況。

”顛覆的一打(Disruptive Dozen)”部分，則是由伙伴醫療系統(PHS)的教授們，挑選出可能在未來10年內對醫療護理有重大影響的12種科技。(部分圖片已於4/24發表)

左起，PHS的醫療長Gregg Meyer，學術長Anne Kilbanski，科學長
Keith Dreyer為大會閉幕致詞。(周菊子攝)

MIT前校長Susan Hockfield(右)也列席其中一場座談。(周菊子攝)