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S 942

An Act to establish a reduced fare pilot program for students aboard South Coast Rail

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts establishes a discounted student fare pilot on South Coast Rail to boost ridership and transit accessibility while testing financial viability of expanded student subsidies.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2593
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Bill Summary · S 942

Legislative bill overview

S 942 establishes a pilot program offering reduced fares for students using the South Coast Rail commuter line in Massachusetts. The bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to implement discounted pricing for eligible student riders during a defined pilot period. The program aims to increase accessibility and ridership among student populations in the South Coast region.

Why is this important

Student fare discounts can increase public transit usage among a cost-sensitive demographic, potentially reducing vehicle congestion and emissions while improving access to educational institutions. The South Coast Rail serves a region with growing educational infrastructure, and reduced fares could meaningfully impact enrollment and student commuting patterns. This pilot provides data on whether subsidized student transit is cost-effective for future expansion statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill does not specify how the MBTA will absorb revenue loss from reduced fares, raising concerns about operational sustainability and whether other service areas will face cuts
  • Pilot scope and duration: The bill's definition of eligible students, discount percentages, and pilot duration appear unspecified in the current version, creating ambiguity about program boundaries
  • Equity questions: A South Coast-specific pilot may not address student transit needs in other Massachusetts regions, potentially raising fairness concerns about geographic disparities in subsidy access

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

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