Bill > S2277

This bill aims to increase regional transit accessibility in the Commonwealth. It proposes several key provisions: 1) Increasing the annual transfer to regional transit authorities organized under Chapter 161B by adjusting the amount for inflation, with a cap of 103% of the prior year's transfer. 2) Allocating 50% of the funds received under Section 8(c)(iii) of Chapter 187 of the Acts of 2016 to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and 50% to the regional transit authorities, in addition to the operational transfer. 3) Establishing a Regional Transit Authority Council to coordinate and share information on security, service delivery, cost savings, and administrative efficiencies, and requiring an annual report on funding, service, and technical assistance needs. 4) Requiring the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to provide assistance to regional transit authorities in creating electric bus rollout plans, including goals, technology identification, infrastructure plans, bus purchase/conversion schedules, and deployment in environmental justice communities. 5) Prohibiting the Department of Transportation from considering the farebox recovery ratio in funding decisions or formulas for transit authorities.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2277