WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4649

An Act establishing a special commission on micro-transit

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 11 co-sponsors

Bill H 4649 creates a commission to study micro-transit in Massachusetts, aiming to enhance transportation equity and access for underserved populations statewide.

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4649

Summary of Bill H 4649: An Act Establishing a Special Commission on Micro-Transit

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4649 aims to establish a special commission in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to study existing and emerging micro-transit services. The intent is to evaluate these services' operational models, funding sources, and their role in enhancing transportation equity and connectivity across the state.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical tasks for the commission, including:

  1. Benchmarking Micro-Transit Models:

    • Study various operational models of micro-transit, including those run by regional transit authorities and other entities.
    • Identify the types of micro-transit services available and the populations that rely on them.

  2. Assessing Funding Sources:

    • Evaluate current funding limitations and needs for micro-transit services across different regions in Massachusetts.
    • Define what constitutes micro-transit services to determine eligibility for state funding.

  3. Estimating State Funding Needs:

    • Estimate the annual state funding required to support both existing and emerging micro-transit services.
    • Propose a mechanism for regularly reassessing funding needs based on changing micro-transit demands.

  4. Addressing Mobility Gaps:

    • Explore how micro-transit can help close mobility gaps and improve access to transportation for underserved populations.

Composition of the Commission

The commission will consist of various members, including:

  • Co-chairs from the House and Senate committees on transportation.
  • Two representatives from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities.
  • The administrator of the rail and transit division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
  • Representatives from existing micro-transit services, Transportation for Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, and other relevant organizations.

Reporting Requirements

The commission is required to file a final report detailing its findings and recommendations within three months of the bill's enactment. A draft report may be made available for public comment prior to the final submission.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: October 27, 2025
  • Current Status: Discharged to the committee on House Rules as of November 20, 2025.
  • Previous Actions: Reported favorably by the committee on Transportation on the same day it was introduced.

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly impact transportation policy in Massachusetts by providing a structured approach to understanding and enhancing micro-transit services. It aims to improve access to transportation for various populations, particularly in rural areas, and address existing inequities in the transportation system.

By establishing this commission, the Commonwealth seeks to ensure that micro-transit services are effectively integrated into the broader transportation network, ultimately benefiting residents across Massachusetts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.