Bill > H3139

This bill establishes a "Commuter Rail Patrons Bill of Rights" for both public and private rail carriers operating in Massachusetts, requiring them to create and display this bill of rights within 180 days of certification or enactment. The bill mandates that paying passengers receive reasonable service, prioritizing safety, adherence to posted schedules, and respectful treatment from staff. Specifically, schedules must be readily available in hardcopy and digital formats, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and any route or train cancellations must be advertised 30 days in advance, with exceptions only for severe weather or accident investigations, not for routine maintenance. Trains must arrive within 30 minutes of their posted time, again with exceptions for severe weather or accident investigations. If a rail carrier violates this bill of rights, passengers who provide timely notice (while on the train or within 24 hours of a cancellation or significant delay) through an official channel, such as to an on-duty staff member or via customer service email, are entitled to a voucher for three free rides on the same line, which may be non-transferable and require identification for redemption, and can be used on other lines if the original is cancelled, but not for travel outside Massachusetts, and can be applied towards the purchase of monthly or ten-ride passes.