Bill > H3080

This bill requires any public or private entity providing commuter rail service in Massachusetts to establish and post a Passenger's Bill of Rights within 180 days of certification or enactment. This bill of rights must guarantee paying passengers reasonable service, prioritizing safety, adherence to posted schedules, and respectful treatment from staff. Specifically, schedules must be readily available in print and digital formats, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and any route, service, or train cancellation must be advertised at least 30 days in advance, with exceptions only for severe weather or accidents requiring investigation, not for routine maintenance. Trains must arrive within 30 minutes of their posted time, also with exceptions for severe weather or accidents. If a rail carrier violates this Passenger's Bill of Rights, passengers who provide timely notice of the breach (generally 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 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 of the same carrier if the original line is unavailable, but not for travel outside of Massachusetts, and can be applied towards monthly or ten-ride passes.