Bill
HD 4939
HD 4939 submits MBTA's 2023 fare evasion report to the Legislature, notes zero warnings/citations, and puts the document on file for transparency.
HD 4939 — Bill Summary
Overview
- Bill Number: HD 4939
- Title: A communication from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (see Section 101 of Chapter 159 of the General Laws) submitting a report detailing fare evasion warnings or citations issued by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for calendar year 2023
- Status: Placed on file
- Introduced: July 30, 2025
- Classification: Proposed bill
- Nature of bill: This HD 4939 appears to be a formal communication from the MBTA and DOT to the Legislature under the authority of Section 101 of Chapter 159 (General Laws), providing the annual fare evasion report for 2023. It is not a standalone policy measure, but a reporting/oversight document.
Purpose and Intent
- Primary objective: To submit to the Legislature the MBTA’s annual report detailing fare evasion warnings or citations for 2023.
- Policy purpose: Enhance transparency and legislative oversight of fare enforcement by the MBTA, enabling lawmakers to review enforcement activity and outcomes for the prior year.
Key Provisions and Content
- Core content: The MBTA report on fare evasion warnings or citations issued in 2023, submitted in accordance with Section 101 of Chapter 159.
- Specific metric highlighted: The accompanying annual metrics state that there were 0 written warnings or citations for fare evasion or fraudulent use of a reduced fare credential in calendar year 2023.
- Format and recipients: The report is directed to the Chairs of relevant Senate and House committees on Ways & Means and Transportation (Senate Committee on Ways & Means; Joint Committee on Transportation; House Committee on Ways & Means), with a cover letter dated July 15, 2025.
- Signature and source: The communication is signed by Lynsey Heffernan, Chief of Policy and Strategic Planning for MBTA, indicating it is an official MBTA submission to the Legislature.
Affected Parties and Scope
- Primary entities: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
- Affected groups: Fare evaders and holders of reduced fare credentials (though the report for 2023 indicates zero enforcement actions in this category for that year).
- Wider impact: Provides legislators and the public with data on enforcement activity, informing potential future policy discussions or budget/oversight decisions.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Statutory basis: The report is submitted under Section 101 of Chapter 159 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
- Key dates:
- July 15, 2025: MBTA letter and report submitted to Chairs.
- July 30, 2025: The bill HD 4939 introduced and placed on file.
- Current status: Placed on file, meaning it documents the report and is not advancing new policy at this time.
Notes
- The document’s central finding for 2023 is that there were zero written warnings or citations for fare evasion or fraudulent use of reduced fare credentials.
- As a reporting item, no direct policy changes are proposed by HD 4939 itself; rather, it fulfills an accountability and transparency function for the MBTA’s enforcement data.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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