SD 1026 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act exempting certain public transit and active transportation projects from MEPA review

This bill exempts specific public transit and active transportation projects from Massachusetts' environmental review process (MEPA). It covers new bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, highway modifications to add transit lanes within existing space, conversion of highway shoulders to transit lanes, and expansion of bus or light rail service on existing routes. Projects must be led by a public agency, stay within current road space (with limited exceptions), avoid adding highway lanes or encouraging car use, and hold public meetings for large projects. This change aims to streamline approvals for transit and active transportation improvements without requiring environmental impact reports.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor