Bill > S2397

This bill establishes two separate pilot programs for fare-free bus services in Massachusetts: one for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and another for all Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in the state. For the MBTA, the pilot will run for at least one year and include at least 10 priority bus routes and 10 additional routes with higher ridership during the March 2020-December 2020 period, ensuring free bus access for all passengers without requiring passes or fares. A 10-member advisory group will oversee the MBTA pilot, consisting of transportation officials, labor representatives, and community stakeholders, who will track key metrics such as ridership, equity, system efficiency, and potential cost impacts. Similarly, the RTA pilot will provide free bus services for at least one year, with each participating RTA including at least one route with higher historical ridership. A separate advisory group for RTAs will be formed to monitor and evaluate the pilot's performance. Both pilots must commence by December 31, 2026, with advisory groups required to submit six-month progress reports and a final comprehensive report within three months of the pilot's conclusion. The goal of these pilots is to assess the potential benefits of fare-free public transportation, including increased accessibility, ridership, and system efficiency.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2397