Transportation (Rail)

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 5635: Amendment H.5635

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire permanent easements from the Andover Conservation Commission for highway construction purposes. The acquisition involves specific land parcels totaling approximately 704 square feet, which will be used for installing guy wires, removing guardrails, and applying special slope paving on a bridge over the Pan MA Railroad. The state agency is required to cover all costs associated with engineering, surveys, appraisals, and deed preparation for this transfer. The legislation is designated as an emergency law to allow for immediate action related to public safety and convenience.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes MassDOT to acquire easements for highway construction, bridge maintenance, and safety improvements like guardrails and paving.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail Roads & Highways

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 10, 2026

HD 6174: A communication from the Department of Transportation (see item 1596-2406 of Section 2 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024) submitting the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division Regional Transit Authority Connectivity Grant Program annual report for fiscal year 2025

This bill serves as a procedural document to file an annual report from the Department of Transportation regarding its regional transit grant program for fiscal year 2025. The report details the progress of the LINK service, a new commuter rail line connecting several existing transit authority areas that is scheduled to begin operations in early 2026. By placing this information on file, the legislation ensures official record-keeping of the state's transit funding and development updates without introducing new laws or policy changes.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill files a report on a transit grant program funding a new commuter rail line, indicating support for transportation expansion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 3036: An Act to expedite MBTA maintenance, repair, and improvement project delivery

The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 561) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to streamline permitting for rail electrification; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2351) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to exempt certain public transit and active transportation projects from MEPA review, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3036).

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill aims to expedite MBTA maintenance, repair, and improvement projects, directly advancing public transit infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5277: An Act relative to restoring commuter rail to Cape Cod

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to conduct a feasibility study on restoring year-round daily commuter rail service between Boston and several Cape Cod towns. The study will evaluate costs, infrastructure needs, funding options, and environmental impacts while considering existing commuting patterns. If the study finds the service feasible, the MBTA must create a schedule with at least one morning and one evening weekday trip between Buzzards Bay and South Station. The department must submit a report on the findings to state officials within nine months of the bill taking effect.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT and MBTA to study restoring commuter rail service, which would expand public transportation infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2876: An Act directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of restoring commuter rail to Cape Cod

Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2394) of Dylan A. Fernandes relative to establishing year-round daily commuter rail service to Cape Cod, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2876).

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates study to restore commuter rail service, advancing public transit infrastructure and expanding transportation options on Cape Cod.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 11, 2025

H 3664: An Act establishing a pilot program allowing for in-person payment of daily parking fees at certain commuter rail stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3664) of William C. Galvin relative to establishing a pilot program for the payment of parking fees at certain commuter rail stations. Transportation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPilot program for in-person parking payments at commuter rail stations enhances public transit accessibility and convenience.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 8, 2025

S 942: An Act to establish a reduced fare pilot program for students aboard South Coast Rail

By Mr. Montigny, a 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. Higher Education.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes reduced student fares on South Coast Rail, promoting public transit accessibility and affordability, directly advancing transportation infrastructure through expanded transit use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1701: An Act relative to setting deadlines to electrify the MBTA commuter rail

This bill requires the MBTA to provide fully electrified commuter rail service - using zero-emission infrastructure like electric trains and charging systems - across its entire system by December 31, 2035. It mandates specific deadlines: the MBTA must begin fully electrified service on the Providence/Stoughton, Fairmount, and Boston-to-Beverly segments of the Newburyport/Rockport lines by December 31, 2029, with detailed plans due by November 2026. The bill also requires the MBTA to develop short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for electrification, including infrastructure upgrades, funding schedules, and public input periods. These plans must prioritize environmental justice communities for future electrification and align with the state’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates zero-emission electrified rail infrastructure by 2035, requiring electric systems and detailed plans, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and renewable transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates zero-emission electrified commuter rail by 2035, directly reducing transportation emissions and advancing clean energy infrastructure per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates electrification deadlines for MBTA commuter rail, promoting sustainable public transit infrastructure and zero-emission transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Environmental Justice Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1109: An Act relative to fare free buses

SD 1109 establishes a pilot program making MBTA bus service free for all riders on designated routes, starting no later than December 31, 2026. The MBTA pilot must include at least 10 priority routes (with specific requirements for routes ending at commuter rail/subway stations or depots) and 10 high-ridership routes from 2020, while Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) must implement a similar free bus pilot on at least one high-ridership route. An advisory group for each pilot will monitor impacts on ridership, equity, system efficiency, and costs, holding quarterly public meetings and reporting findings every six months. The program is structured as a one-year test to evaluate the feasibility and effects of fare-free bus service before potential broader implementation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes free bus pilot program to expand public transit access, directly advancing sustainable transportation through fare elimination on designated routes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2549: An Act establishing a tunnel to connect the campuses of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical school ("ENSATS”)

SD 2549 authorizes Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School (ENSATS) to construct a pedestrian tunnel under Route 62 connecting its north and south campuses and the Danvers Rail Trail. The bill permits up to $5 million in funding for this project, which aims to improve student safety, increase accessibility, and reduce campus congestion. It specifically overrides any conflicting laws or regulations to enable the tunnel's construction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds $5M tunnel to improve ENSATS campus safety/access, directly enhancing school infrastructure and student accessibility.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds $5M for pedestrian tunnel under Route 62 to improve safety/accessibility and reduce congestion, directly advancing transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Rail

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