Transportation (Rail)

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 5635: Amendment H.5635

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire permanent easements from the Andover Conservation Commission for highway construction purposes. The acquisition involves specific land parcels totaling approximately 704 square feet, which will be used for installing guy wires, removing guardrails, and applying special slope paving on a bridge over the Pan MA Railroad. The state agency is required to cover all costs associated with engineering, surveys, appraisals, and deed preparation for this transfer. The legislation is designated as an emergency law to allow for immediate action related to public safety and convenience.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes MassDOT to acquire easements for highway construction, bridge maintenance, and safety improvements like guardrails and paving.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail Roads & Highways

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 10, 2026

HD 6174: A communication from the Department of Transportation (see item 1596-2406 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division Regional Transit Authority Connectivity Grant Program annual report for fiscal year 2025

This bill serves as a procedural document to file an annual report from the Department of Transportation regarding its regional transit grant program for fiscal year 2025. The report details the progress of the LINK service, a new commuter rail line connecting several existing transit authority areas that is scheduled to begin operations in early 2026. By placing this information on file, the legislation ensures official record-keeping of the state's transit funding and development updates without introducing new laws or policy changes.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill files a report on a transit grant program funding a new commuter rail line, indicating support for transportation expansion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 3036: An Act to expedite MBTA maintenance, repair, and improvement project delivery

The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 561) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to streamline permitting for rail electrification; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2351) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to exempt certain public transit and active transportation projects from MEPA review, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3036).

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill aims to expedite MBTA maintenance, repair, and improvement projects, directly advancing public transit infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5277: An Act relative to restoring commuter rail to Cape Cod

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to conduct a feasibility study on restoring year-round daily commuter rail service between Boston and several Cape Cod towns. The study will evaluate costs, infrastructure needs, funding options, and environmental impacts while considering existing commuting patterns. If the study finds the service feasible, the MBTA must create a schedule with at least one morning and one evening weekday trip between Buzzards Bay and South Station. The department must submit a report on the findings to state officials within nine months of the bill taking effect.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT and MBTA to study restoring commuter rail service, which would expand public transportation infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2876: An Act directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of restoring commuter rail to Cape Cod

Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2394) of Dylan A. Fernandes relative to establishing year-round daily commuter rail service to Cape Cod, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2876).

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates study to restore commuter rail service, advancing public transit infrastructure and expanding transportation options on Cape Cod.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 11, 2025

H 3664: An Act establishing a pilot program allowing for in-person payment of daily parking fees at certain commuter rail stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

This bill establishes an 18-month pilot program at three MBTA commuter rail stations (Canton Junction, Canton Center, and Stoughton) to allow in-person payment for daily parking fees using cash or credit cards. The MBTA must install and maintain two payment machines at each location that do not require mobile devices or portable electronics. After 12-18 months, the MBTA must report to state legislators on the program’s effectiveness, including fee collection rates and recommendations for expanding the machines to other stations. The program directly affects MBTA parking users at these specific locations who prefer cash or card payments over mobile apps.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPilot program for in-person parking payments at commuter rail stations enhances public transit accessibility and convenience.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 8, 2025

S 942: An Act to establish a reduced fare pilot program for students aboard South Coast Rail

This bill establishes a 50% reduced fare pilot program for student commuter rail passes on the South Coast Rail corridor. It directly affects students enrolled at Bridgewater State University who live in specific municipalities along the route (including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and several towns). The program prioritizes distribution based on student financial need, with the MBTA implementing it for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill requires a report by September 2026 detailing the number of passes distributed by location, total cost, and other program metrics.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes reduced student fares on South Coast Rail, promoting public transit accessibility and affordability, directly advancing transportation infrastructure through expanded transit use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 1027: An Act to streamline permitting for rail electrification

By Representative Reid of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1027) of Sean Reid relative to environmental impact statements for zero- or near-zero emission rail infrastructure. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStreamlines permitting for zero-emission rail infrastructure, advancing clean energy transportation and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill streamlines permitting for zero-emission rail infrastructure, reducing transportation emissions and advancing environmental protection per its summary and subject category.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines permitting for zero-emission rail infrastructure, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 2412: An Act relative to commuter rail pedestrian safety

SD 1541 requires the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to upgrade all commuter rail station grade crossings to active safety systems. It mandates four specific safety features: four quadrant gates or gate skirts (additional barriers), clear signage directing pedestrians, signalized visual warnings, and channelization to guide pedestrians and assist those with vision impairments. The bill prohibits passive crossings without these measures and directs the MBTA to submit a compliance plan within 120 days to state transportation officials and legislative committees. This directly affects commuters and pedestrians using MBTA commuter rail stations across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill targets commuter rail pedestrian safety, enhancing public transit infrastructure safety within transportation policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 497: An Act relative to rail-trail construction

This bill amends Chapter 23A, Section 3I of the General Laws to allow nonprofit organizations, in addition to municipalities, to qualify for rail-trail construction projects. The change specifically updates definitions in the law by adding "or nonprofit organization" after terms like "municipalities" and "city or town," expanding eligibility for these projects.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes nonprofit grants for rail-trail construction, directly funding transportation infrastructure projects as defined in the topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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