Massachusetts Legislation Would Require Low-Income Transit Fares

“After another push from advocates, legislation which would require the MBTA to establish free or discounted fares for low-income transit riders is still in the mix with two weeks to go in the 2022 legislative session,” writes Sam Mintz for Streetsblog Massachusetts, but the legislation faces a few obstacles. 

“The legislation has passed the legislature previously, only to be line-item vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker. The bill was passed too late in the 2020 session to override the veto, State House News reported at the time. ” Now, “it would have to be included in the final version of the bill, which will be hastily put together by the House and Senate before the July 31 end of the legislative session.”

Pete Wilson, a senior advisor at Transportation for Massachusetts, said the program could be a crucial lifeline for low-income residents immediately. “It would be great if the T could actually start implementing this program to help people who really do need relief from things like high gas prices and record inflation,” Wilson said.

According to the article, “The Senate also passed an amendment which would define and legalize pedal-assist e-bikes, a top priority of bike advocates in Massachusetts, who say it would match the state definition with other states and the federal government and open up the door for wider adoption.” The legislation did not include language supporting rebates for-ebike purchasers, which supporters say would also boost widespread adoption.