Transportation in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 11, 2025

H 3733: Resolve directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of extending the orange line

HD 2993 requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to conduct a feasibility study on extending the Orange Line subway from Oak Grove in Malden to Roslindale Village in Boston. The study must examine costs (capital and operating), projected ridership, use of existing tracks, environmental/community impacts, funding sources, regional equity, and economic benefits. It mandates MassDOT to report findings to legislative committees within 120 days of the bill's passage. This resolution directs a study only - no funding or construction is authorized - and directly affects MassDOT's planning process, with potential implications for commuters and neighborhoods along the proposed route.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

H 3700: An Act promoting price transparency for electric vehicle charging stations

HD 2655 requires all public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to display a clear, visible sign showing the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity sold, including all applicable taxes. This applies directly to retail electricity providers operating public EV charging stations. The sign must be at least 8 inches by 10 inches, not obscured by other displays, and must either state the tax amount or indicate taxes are included in the displayed price. The bill aims to ensure consumers see the complete cost before using the charging station.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 4649: An Act establishing a special commission on micro-transit

H 4649 establishes a special commission to study micro-transit services in Massachusetts. The commission will examine different operating models (including those run by regional transit authorities and other entities), assess funding needs and gaps, define micro-transit for state funding eligibility, and estimate annual state funding required to support these services. It will specifically focus on closing mobility gaps, improving connectivity, and addressing transportation inequities in underserved areas and populations. The commission, composed of transit officials, community representatives, and rural stakeholders, must submit a final report to state leaders within three months of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 3609: An Act to promote safe bicycle yielding

This bill amends traffic laws to clarify bicycle operators' right-of-way obligations at intersections. It requires bicycle operators to stop completely at stop signs in intersections with 3+ lanes (Section 1(12)), stop when motor vehicles are stopped at the same stop sign (Section 1(13)), and reduce speed while yielding to motor vehicles in 2-lane intersections (Section 1(14)). The bill also mandates cyclists always yield to motor vehicles already in the intersection (Section 1(15)) and establishes that when bicycles and motor vehicles enter intersections simultaneously from different roads, the left-side vehicle must yield to the right-side vehicle (Sections 1(16) and 2). These changes directly affect bicycle operators and motor vehicle drivers navigating intersections.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 4, 2026

H 3754: An Act relative to traffic regulation using road safety cameras

This bill establishes a framework for cities and towns in Massachusetts to use automated traffic cameras to enforce specific violations, such as running red lights, speeding, or blocking intersections. It allows municipalities to install cameras after public hearings, imposes fines between $25 and $150 (with a 60-day warning period initially), and requires annual reports to the state detailing camera locations, safety data, and enforcement results. Registered vehicle owners receive written notices with photos and appeal options, and violations do not count as moving violations on driving records or affect insurance rates. The law directly affects local governments implementing camera systems and vehicle owners cited for camera-enforced violations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 3652: An Act to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety

HD 3880, "Anna's Law," requires Massachusetts municipalities to maintain visible road markings, especially crosswalks, by setting standards for reflectivity and visibility. It directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to establish these standards, measure markings using light meters, and encourage local governments to keep markings in safe condition. Residents can report faded crosswalks or traffic markings to their local public works department or MassDOT, and municipalities are urged to create hotlines for such complaints. The law focuses on ensuring road markings remain effective for pedestrian and vehicle safety through regular measurement, maintenance, and public reporting.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 3692: An Act relative to bicycle safety

HD 1148 amends Massachusetts traffic law to explicitly include bicycles and skateboards under the definition of "vehicle" in Chapter 90. It also clarifies that using headphones on public roadways or sidewalks is subject to the same rules as other vehicles. This change directly affects cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians using these modes of transportation in public spaces. The bill updates existing definitions without creating new restrictions or requirements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 2359: An Act relative to setting deadlines to electrify the MBTA commuter rail

This bill sets specific deadlines for electrifying the MBTA commuter rail system. It directly affects the MBTA and its operations by requiring the agency to meet defined timelines for transitioning from diesel to electric trains. The key mechanism is establishing legally binding deadlines for this infrastructure change, though the abstract does not specify exact dates or phases. The bill focuses on accelerating the electrification process for public transit service.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Public Transit Rail

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 2049: An Act establishing a tax exemption for municipalities paying for gas

S 2049 would establish a tax exemption for municipalities when purchasing gas for their operations. This directly affects local governments that buy gas for services like public transportation, street cleaning, or municipal vehicle fleets. The key provision removes a tax on these gas purchases, reducing operational costs for municipalities. The legislation aims to provide immediate financial relief by exempting gas expenses from taxation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 903: An Act establishing wildflower and pollinator-friendly plantings alongside state roadways

This bill requires the Massachusetts Division of Highways to establish a program planting native wildflowers and pollinator habitats alongside state roadways. The Division must identify safe locations to replace traditional grass mowing with these native plants, working with the Department of Agricultural Resources. It also mandates the Division to create specific regulations for implementing the program. This directly affects state highway maintenance practices, shifting roadside management toward environmentally beneficial plantings that support pollinators.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

All transportation bills