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Thanks for reading our occasional emails on transportation issues and advocacy.

We are sharing this summary a day after the Massachusetts legislature adjourned their final formal session for 2021-2022. Before they wrapped up, lawmakers passed a slew of legislation over the weekend, including a $11.3 billion transportation and climate bond bill.  The bond bill includes a number of T4MA coalition legislative priorities, including:

$6.95 million for fare-free bus pilot programs for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities;

$200+ million for electrification of the commuter rail;

A mobility pricing commission to study roadway and congestion pricing and public transit fares. The commission will make recommendations to the legislature by July 1, 2023;

Over $1 billion to invest in MBTA modernization, and $64M for Regional Transit Authority capital investments;

Classification of class 1 and class 2 e-bikes to align Massachusetts with other states to ensure that many e-bikes are not classified as mopeds, and $1 million for a $500 rebates for most residents purchasing an e-bike, and $750 for low income individuals.

Enhanced data reporting from Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), e.g. Uber and Lyft, to better inform transportation planning;

$275 million for the East-West Rail project, which will re-establish train service from Boston to Pittsfield;

$3.5 billion for the state’s share of projects for federal discretionary grants authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This legislation is subject to review and possibly veto by Governor Baker, who has ten days to act. Because the legislature passed the bond bill at the very end of its session, they won’t have the opportunity to override any vetoes. A full section-by-section summary from the Joint Committee on Transportation is available here.

Unfortunately, the House and Senate did not agree to include the implementation of low-income fares on the MBTA, which the Senate included in their version of the bill and which both branches passed in early 2021, only to have the Governor veto this coalition priority. T4MA will continue to advocate for funding and opportunities to implement a low-income fare program and affordable transit options for riders across the Commonwealth.

The Legislature also passed sweeping climate legislation that includes:

- Requirement that all new MBTA bus purchases be electric by 2030, and that the entire bus fleet to be all-electric by 2040. Prioritizes deployment on routes that go through underserved communities;

- Requirement that the MBTA factor greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and environmental resiliency into its capital planning processes;

- Requirement that MassDOT provide Regional Transportation Authorities (RTAs) with technical and funding assistance to electrify their fleet;

- Increases of rebates and incentives for new and used EV purchases.

This bill has been amended by the Governor and the Legislature and awaits the final approval or veto by Governor Baker.

The Massachusetts legislative process is notable for pushing many decisions off to the end of the session, and for a lack of open debate. These are longstanding concerns, but we at T4MA are committed to working with our legislative partners and allies across the Commonwealth to create a better transportation future: just, clean, accessible and affordable. 

Thank you to our coalition members and all who have advocated for better mobility. We have made progress – and we have more work to do. Advocates like you are making a difference.

Thanks for reading!

Josh Ostroff, T4MA, Interim Director
508 654-3330
http://www.t4ma.org/