Transportation (Rail)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 497: An Act relative to rail-trail construction

By Representative Scarsdale of Pepperell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 497) of Margaret R. Scarsdale for legislation to authorize nonprofit organizations to apply for rail-trail construction project grants. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

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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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 561: An Act to streamline permitting for rail electrification

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 561) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to streamline permitting for rail electrification. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines permitting for rail electrification, promoting clean energy infrastructure by facilitating transition from diesel to electric rail systems, reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRail electrification reduces emissions; streamlining permits accelerates clean energy adoption in transportation, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlining rail electrification permits advances sustainable transportation infrastructure and aligns with promoting greener public transit systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 23, 2025

S 2593: An Act to provide reduced or free fare on public transportation for students at public institutions of higher education

Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 942) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to establish a reduce fare pilot program for students aboard South Coast Rail, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2593).

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes reduced student fares on public transit (South Coast Rail), directly advancing access and ridership for public transportation systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 76: An Act establishing school zones for locomotives

This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to establish designated school zones around schools where trains must operate at 20 mph or slower. It requires municipalities to notify railroads and install standardized signs meeting state highway guidelines before the speed limit takes effect. Railroads, including the MBTA, must enforce the 20 mph limit within these zones. The bill directly affects local governments (which pay for signs) and railroad operators (which must comply with the speed restriction). It creates a concrete, enforceable speed limit for trains near schools without altering existing railroad operations outside designated zones.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates 20 mph speed limits for trains in school zones, enhancing transportation safety near schools per bill's enforcement requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 541: An Act relative to an interstate compact for western MA rail service

HD 541 authorizes Massachusetts' transportation secretary to negotiate an interstate compact with Connecticut, New York, and Vermont to establish permanent commuter rail service in Western Massachusetts. The bill specifically targets routes connecting New Haven to Brattleboro (via Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton, Springfield) and Worcester to Albany (via Pittsfield, Chester, Springfield, Palmer). It also directs efforts to extend existing rail programs and promote connections between Western MA counties and major cities like Albany, Boston, Brattleboro, Hartford, and New Haven. The compact would create a formal framework for cooperation among the participating states to develop and sustain these rail services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes permanent commuter rail service expansion between states, directly advancing public transit infrastructure through interstate coordination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 605: An Act promoting fare equity

This bill (SD 605) reclassifies all Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail stations located within Boston as Zone 1A. It directly affects Boston commuters who use the MBTA commuter rail system, simplifying their fare structure by placing all city stations in a single zone. The key provision requires the MBTA to implement this zone designation to promote fare equity for Boston residents. The change aims to reduce fare complexity for those traveling within the city limits, without altering overall fare rates.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationReclassifies MBTA commuter rail stations to simplify fares and promote equitable access to public transit, directly advancing transportation infrastructure accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1987: An Act relative to an interstate compact for western MA rail service

This bill authorizes Massachusetts to form an interstate compact with Connecticut, New York, and Vermont to establish permanent commuter rail service in Western Massachusetts. It specifically directs the development of two key routes: one connecting New Haven to Brattleboro (with stops in Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Springfield) and another linking Worcester to Albany (with stops in Pittsfield, Chester, Springfield, and Palmer). The compact also aims to extend the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program through the Knowledge Corridor and promote rail connections across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties to major cities like Albany, Boston, Hartford, and New Haven. The bill requires participating states to cooperate on public policy development and jointly ensure the success of these rail services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes commuter rail routes (New Haven-Brattleboro, Worcester-Albany), directly advancing public transit infrastructure and service expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1571: An Act fostering intercity Passenger Rail Fund

HD 1571 establishes a dedicated InterCity Regional Passenger Rail Fund to finance passenger rail expansion and improvements across Massachusetts, starting with the Route 2 Corridor. It directs 25% of gross gaming revenue from Region D (specifically Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg, and Westminster) to this fund. The fund will cover rail-related costs like contracts, services, and bond debt for rail projects, subject to annual appropriations. Region D is newly defined in the bill as those specific cities and towns in the Worcester area.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 25% of existing gaming revenue to fund rail projects, advancing budget allocation for infrastructure without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates dedicated fund to finance passenger rail expansion and improvements, directly funding public transit infrastructure via gaming revenue allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1932: An Act to promote commuter rail ridership

SD 1932 requires the MBTA to develop a new commuter rail fare structure aimed at increasing ridership, primarily affecting residents in transit-oriented areas. Key provisions include establishing a $10 weekday fare (currently only for weekends), capping one-way fares at three times the subway fare, creating discounted monthly passes for hybrid workers (e.g., commuting 3 days/week), offering multi-ride discounts, and simplifying fare zones. The bill mandates that the MBTA submit recommendations within 12 months and implement pilot programs testing these changes within 24 months. It also requires offsetting fare reductions through increased parking rates to maintain revenue. This bill focuses on concrete fare adjustments to make commuter rail more accessible and affordable.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates new commuter rail fare structure to boost ridership via lower weekday fares, discounted passes, and simplified zones, directly advancing public transit accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

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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

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