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H 3666

An Act relative to increased transportation options for Arlington and Lexington

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a 10-member commission to study feasibility of rapid transit for Arlington and Lexington; options: MBTA Red Line extension or Route 2 BRT; report in 12 months.

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3666

Summary of House Bill No. 3666 (H 3666): An Act relative to increased transportation options for Arlington and Lexington

Purpose and intent

  • The bill directs the formation of a special commission to study whether rapid transit can be feasibly provided to the towns of Arlington and Lexington.
  • Specifically, the commission would evaluate two potential options: 1) Extending the MBTA Red Line to include a stop in Arlington and Lexington. 2) Creating a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line from Alewife along Route 2 to the I-95 interchange, with stops in Arlington and Lexington.
  • The goal is to assess financial feasibility and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (DOT) capability to implement either option, and to make a recommendation upon completion of the study.

Key provisions

  • Establishment of a commission (Section 1):
    • A commission is created to study the two rapid transit options for Arlington and Lexington.
    • The section states that the study should be conducted notwithstanding any contrary laws.
    • Commission size and composition:
    • 10 members total.
    • 3 members from the House of Representatives (one of whom is appointed by the House minority leader).
    • 3 members from the Senate (one of whom is appointed by the Senate minority leader).
    • The Secretary of the Department of Transportation (or a designee).
    • The Chairman of the MBTA (or a designee).
    • 2 members appointed by the Governor.
  • Reporting deadline (Section 2):
    • The commission must file its findings and recommendations with the chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation no later than 12 months after the bill’s passage.

Who would be affected

  • The study would involve the MBTA, the DOT, Arlington and Lexington residents, and potential riders of rapid transit options in the region.
  • The outcome could influence future capital planning and transportation policy decisions in the two towns and across the MBTA service area.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and filed: January 16, 2025 (House Docket No. 3666). Reported favorably by committee and referred to Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently (as of November 18, 2025).
  • Legislative actions timeline:
    • February 27, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
    • February 27, 2025: Senate concurred.
    • August 25, 2025: Hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025 (noted in the docket).
    • November 18, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.
  • Related bill note: HD 2817 is referenced as the bill replacing or related to the petition for the study.

Potential impact and implications

  • This bill would not authorize construction or funding directly; it creates a formal process to evaluate the feasibility and the state’s capacity to deliver rapid transit options to Arlington and Lexington.
  • A favorable commission recommendation could guide future legislative or regulatory actions, potential funding, and project prioritization for either an MBTA Red Line extension or a Route 2 BRT solution.
  • The 12-month study period provides a defined timeline for delivering findings to key transportation committees, enabling timely consideration in subsequent legislative sessions.

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

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