Transportation (Public Transit)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3431: An Act to promote commuter rail ridership

HD 3431 requires the MBTA to create a new commuter rail fare structure aimed at boosting ridership, primarily affecting residents in transit-oriented areas and hybrid workers. Key provisions include a $10 all-inclusive weekday fare (currently only for weekends/holidays), one-way fares capped at three times the subway fare, monthly passes for 3-day commuters, multi-ride discounts, simplified pricing, and offsetting fare cuts with higher parking fees. The MBTA must submit fare recommendations within 12 months and implement pilot programs within 24 months to test these changes. The bill focuses on concrete fare adjustments to make commuter rail more accessible and affordable.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates fare structure changes to boost commuter rail ridership, expanding public transit access through lower fares and discounts, directly advancing transportation infrastructure goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 395: An Act relative to an ADA paratransit program riders' bill of rights

This bill requires Massachusetts public transit agencies (like the MBTA and regional authorities) to create and display a formal "riders' bill of rights" for paratransit users with disabilities. It guarantees 14 specific rights, including safe and reliable transportation, professional service, clear information, appeal processes for eligibility denials, on-time service, accessible vehicles, and protection against discrimination. Agencies must post this bill of rights on their websites, in printed materials, and provide accessible formats upon request. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting paratransit riders who rely on these ADA-compliant transportation services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates enhanced accessibility and service standards for public transit paratransit users, strengthening ADA compliance and rider protections within transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 11, 2025

SD 3174: An Act creating a special commission to examine school bus safety

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to create a special commission to examine school bus safety. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates commission to examine school bus safety, a subset of transportation safety regulations, indicating intent to enhance safety measures within transportation topic.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 27, 2025

H 3814: An Act increasing the penalties for passing a stopped school bus

By Representative Whipps of Athol, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3814) of Susannah M. Whipps relative to increasing the penalties for passing stopped school buses. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for passing school buses, enhancing road safety - a core transportation safety measure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track

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 ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates electrification of MBTA commuter rail, reducing diesel dependence and advancing clean energy infrastructure transition.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentElectrifying MBTA commuter rail reduces diesel emissions and promotes clean energy transit, directly advancing pollution control and climate goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates electrification deadlines for MBTA commuter rail, advancing sustainable public transit infrastructure and reducing diesel dependence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Public Transit Rail

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2741: An Act relative to school bus safety

This bill requires all school buses transporting students to public, charter, vocational, private, or parochial schools to have seatbelts for every seat, meeting federal safety standards. It directly affects school districts, schools, and transportation companies contracted to provide bus services. Transportation providers must file a notice with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirming all buses comply with the seatbelt requirement. The law takes effect one year after passage, with existing contracts needing to comply by that date.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates seatbelts on all school buses for student safety, directly protecting educational access and student welfare in school transportation.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates seatbelts on school buses to meet federal safety standards, directly enhancing vehicle safety regulations in transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Public Transit Traffic Safety

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3173: An Act relative to establishing the science corridor

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to study options for a future bus rapid transit route connecting Kendall Square (Cambridge), Allston, North Brighton, and the Longwood Medical Area (Boston). The assessment must evaluate infrastructure needs, analyze using existing road space, review nearby transportation projects, and estimate economic benefits for the region and state. The DOT must submit a final report with route recommendations to state legislative committees by July 31, 2022, but does not fund or build the transit service itself. The study directly affects these specific neighborhoods and their future transportation planning.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates DOT study for bus rapid transit corridor, advancing public transit infrastructure and regional connectivity through route planning and economic analysis.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2490: An Act achieving a green future with infrastructure and workforce investments

This bill establishes the Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate and clean energy projects across Massachusetts. It prioritizes low-income households (defined by income thresholds) and communities disproportionately affected by pollution, requiring 60% of funds to support projects in these areas. The fund will support public transit, renewable energy, energy-efficient housing, and rural clean energy initiatives, administered by a 18-member board with diverse representation including environmental justice advocates, labor, businesses, and youth. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs must report annually on fund usage and project outcomes, with strict limits on administrative costs (3.5%).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate projects via state budget, prioritizing low-income communities with 60% allocation, directly funding public services.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes Green Infrastructure Fund for renewable energy, public transit, and energy-efficient housing projects, prioritizing low-income/pollution-affected communities with 60% funding allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Green Infrastructure Fund for climate/clean energy projects, prioritizes pollution-affected communities (60% funding), supports renewable energy initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds energy-efficient housing projects prioritizing low-income households, directly advancing affordable housing goals through targeted investment.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates Green Infrastructure Fund to support public transit projects as part of climate and clean energy initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Public Transit

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 25, 2025

H 4404: An Act relative to improved special needs transportation and student safety, "John's Law"

This bill requires school districts to provide bus drivers, monitors, and attendants with written safety reports for students with disabilities transported on special vans. The reports must detail specific impairments (like sensory, communication, or physical needs) that could affect safety during transport, but only if required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or with written parental consent. It directly affects school districts, transportation staff, and students with disabilities by standardizing safety communication while respecting existing IEP requirements and parental rights.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates safety reports for students with disabilities during school transport, protecting educational access and safety. Directly addresses K-12 student safety within education system.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires safety reports for special needs student transport, enhancing safety protocols within school transportation systems per IEPs/parental consent.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Special Education Public Transit

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2397: An Act relative to fare free buses

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2397) of Patricia D. Jehlen, James B. Eldridge and Adam Gomez for legislation relative to fare free buses. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill proposes fare-free public buses, expanding access and usage of transit services, aligning with transportation support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track