An Act establishing a regional equity and roadway board

This bill creates a new Regional Equity Roadway Board to develop and implement a fair pricing system for roads, bridges, and highways across Massachusetts, including the Greater Boston area. The board will be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, including experts in transportation planning, tolling, and traffic congestion, as well as representatives from municipalities with existing tolls, the MBTA, and organizations advocating for low-income communities. Its primary duties involve analyzing issues related to road pricing, proposing where toll equipment should be placed, and providing estimates for costs, revenue, and traffic impacts. Additionally, the board must produce an annual report for the state legislature that includes specific recommendations on how to mitigate negative effects on underserved communities. The board is authorized to begin implementing its pricing plan on January 1, 2025, after identifying all necessary local, state, and federal approvals.