Transportation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 898: An Act relative to restoring commuter rail to Cape Cod

HD 898 mandates a feasibility study to restore year-round commuter rail service between Cape Cod towns (Falmouth, Bourne, Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Sandwich) and Boston via the Cape Cod line. The study, to be completed within 9 months, will evaluate costs for infrastructure upgrades, environmental impacts, funding sources, and bridge replacement options, including the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. If the study finds feasibility, the MBTA must begin operating the service within 12 months of the bill's passage, with at least three weekday morning and afternoon peak trips. This bill directly affects Cape Cod residents by setting a timeline for improved transportation access and the MBTA by requiring implementation of the rail service.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates feasibility study to restore commuter rail service, advancing public transit infrastructure and expanding regional transportation options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 968: An Act to improve parking and pedestrian safety

This bill requires owners of new commercial buildings (with $1 million+ construction/rehab costs) to install physical barriers between parking areas and sidewalks or building fronts. These safety features - like bollards, walls, or planters - must prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian zones or hitting structures. It also creates a safety advisory group to develop best practices and allows insurers to offer discounts for compliant properties. The rules apply only to commercial developments permitted after July 1, 2022, and must comply with existing accessibility standards.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly improves pedestrian safety in transportation infrastructure by requiring physical barriers in commercial parking areas, directly enhancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 7, 2025

H 55: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

H 55 is a funding bill that allocates supplemental appropriations for Massachusetts' fiscal year 2025. It provides specific amounts to support transportation and education programs, including $67 million for MBTA low-income fare relief, $400 million for MBTA workforce/safety, and $32.5 million for high school career pathway initiatives. The bill also funds $75 million for career technical education facility upgrades, $100 million for early education workforce improvements, and $50 million to expand preschool access in high-need districts. All funds are supplemental to existing budgets and must be used for designated purposes with reporting requirements for oversight.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $67M+ for MBTA fare relief, education, and workforce programs, explicitly increasing state spending on public services and fiscal management for FY2025.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $32.5M for high school career pathways, $75M for career technical education facilities, and $100M for early education workforce improvements, directly funding education programs.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAllocates $400M for MBTA workforce/safety and $100M for early education workforce improvements, directly funding labor-related programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $400M for MBTA workforce/safety and $67M for low-income fare relief, directly funding public transit operations and accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Career & Technical Education Early Childhood

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2241: An Act promoting access to zero-emission school buses

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2241) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to promote access to zero-emission school buses. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes zero-emission school buses, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence per energy policy indicators.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes zero-emission school buses, advancing sustainable transportation through vehicle regulation and cleaner transit infrastructure within transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2251: An Act relative to a just transition to clean energy

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2251) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to a just transition to clean energy in transportation fuel. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes 'just transition to clean energy' in transportation fuel and utilities, aligning with renewable energy advancement and infrastructure investment indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes clean energy transition in transportation and utilities, advancing environmental protection and climate goals through legislative action.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes clean energy transition in transportation fuel, directly supporting sustainable transportation goals per its title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2360: An Act relative to the certification of inspection for new motor vehicles

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2360) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to the certification of inspection for new motor vehicles. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates certification inspections for new motor vehicles, directly enhancing transportation safety standards under vehicle regulations.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 13, 2026

S 2380: An Act improving safety measures for highway maintenance personnel

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2380) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to improve safety measures for highway maintenance personnel. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly improves safety measures for highway maintenance personnel, directly protecting workers' workplace safety under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly improves highway maintenance personnel safety, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure safety standards under Transportation topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4748: An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to employ automated enforcement of certain traffic violations

HD 4748 authorizes the city of Somerville to use automated systems (such as traffic cameras) to enforce specific traffic violations within the city limits. It directly affects Somerville residents and drivers who may receive citations for these violations. The bill requires approval from Somerville's mayor and city council before implementation. This legislation provides the legal framework for the city to deploy automated enforcement for targeted traffic offenses, without specifying which violations are covered.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes automated traffic enforcement for safety, enhancing transportation safety standards through targeted violation enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2420: An Act reducing truck trips and emissions

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2420) of Paul W. Mark and James C. Arena-DeRosa for legislation to reduce emissions from the journey a truck takes to deliver or pick up goods. Transportation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce truck emissions, directly advancing environmental protection by lowering transportation pollution.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationReduces truck emissions, aligning with sustainable transportation goals. Directly addresses vehicle emissions in transportation context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 12, 2026

S 2419: An Act to improve pedestrian safety

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2419) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to update Massachusetts Department of Transportation manual for determining pedestrian clearance times at signalized crosswalks. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill updates DOT manual for pedestrian clearance times, directly enhancing transportation safety standards per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety

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