Bill > H4054

This bill establishes a Microtransit Fund within the Massachusetts transportation system to support flexible, technology-driven transportation services in rural and underserved areas. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and will be primarily financed through appropriations, private sector contributions, federal grants, and a minimum of 3% of annual fair share funds. The fund's key objectives include creating dedicated funding for microtransit services, improving transportation access in rural communities, enhancing first-mile/last-mile connectivity, partnering with existing microtransit programs, promoting electric and hybrid vehicle adoption, and addressing driver recruitment and retention challenges. Funded projects must align with the state's 2050 decarbonization roadmap and focus on equity and sustainability. The department will develop application guidelines, monitor specific benchmarks such as increasing transit access by 30% in underserved areas within 5 years, maintaining cost-effective operations, and achieving electric vehicle adoption targets. Recipients will be required to submit annual project reports and equity impact assessments, and the department must publish annual reports and conduct independent audits to ensure transparency and effectiveness of the microtransit initiatives.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4054