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HD 1153

An Act establishing a tax credit for users of public waterway transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Massachusetts bill creating tax credits for public waterway transportation users to encourage ferry and water taxi ridership and reduce road congestion.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1153

Legislative bill overview

HD 1153 establishes a tax credit for individuals and businesses that use public waterway transportation systems in Massachusetts. The credit would reduce tax liability based on documented use of ferries, water taxis, or other publicly-operated water transit services. This aims to financially incentivize shifting commuting and transportation behavior away from road-based vehicles.

Why is this important

Waterway transportation can reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and decrease wear on road infrastructure in densely populated coastal areas. By making water transit financially attractive through tax credits, the state could influence transportation choices and support the viability of public water transit systems that often struggle with ridership and funding.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: Unclear how the state will fund tax credits without either raising taxes elsewhere or reducing other state services; the fiscal impact statement would be critical
  • Equity concerns: Tax credits primarily benefit those with sufficient tax liability; lower-income residents may not benefit adequately, and the policy could favor affluent waterfront commuters
  • Geographic limitation: Only residents and workers with access to public waterway infrastructure can use this benefit, potentially creating regional disparities in who receives the tax break
  • Verification and fraud prevention: Determining legitimate public waterway transportation use and preventing fraudulent claims would require administrative oversight mechanisms

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

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