Bill > S2246

This bill establishes two separate one-year pilot programs for fare-free buses in Massachusetts. The first pilot program is within the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which will make bus service free for all passengers on at least 20 bus routes, including some of the system's most heavily used routes as well as less-utilized routes. The second pilot program requires all Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in Massachusetts to offer fare-free bus service on at least one route. Both pilot programs will be overseen by advisory groups that will set goals, track metrics, and evaluate the impacts on ridership, equity, system efficiency, and other factors. The pilots are scheduled to begin by December 31, 2024, with progress reports and a final evaluation report submitted to state transportation authorities.