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H 3813

An Act to update and standardize transit definitions in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Wells

Standardizes MA transit terms (bus stop/station, commuter rail, rapid transit, subway, trolley) to reduce planning ambiguity and guide MBTA Communities housing near stations.

Accompanied a study order, see H5132
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Bill Summary · H 3813

Summary: H 3813 — An Act to update and standardize transit definitions in the Commonwealth

Purpose and intent

H 3813 proposes to update and standardize the terminology used to describe Massachusetts transit facilities and services for purposes of the MBTA communities framework and related guidelines. The bill adds a new subsection to Section 3A of Chapter 40A that clarifies how various transit-related terms should be understood in the context of planning, zoning, and MBTA guidance.

Key provisions

  • Legislative change: Adds subsection (d) to Section 3A of Chapter 40A, directing that the listed transit terms have specific meanings for the section and any guidelines promulgated thereunder.

  • Standardized definitions (new terms and meanings):

    • Bus station: A bus rapid transit stop serving as a point of embarkation along a bus rapid transit corridor for a high-capacity bus-based rapid transport system, with a sheltered platform, terminal or other fixed infrastructure, including any stop along the MBTA’s Silver Line.
    • Bus stop: A point of embarkation along a bus rapid transit corridor not accompanied by a sheltered platform.
    • Commuter rail station: Any MBTA commuter rail station with year-round service (not intermittent, seasonal, or event-based). Includes stations under construction but excludes existing stations where service will be terminated or permanently reduced below year-round service.
    • Rapid Transit Station: An MBTA subway station or an MBTA Silver Line Rapid Bus Transit Station.
    • Rapid transit community: An MBTA community that contains within its borders at least 100 acres of developable station area associated with one or more subway stations or MBTA Silver Line stations.
    • Subway station: An MBTA station with uninterrupted service along the core subway lines (Park Street, Government Center, Downtown Crossing, or State Street) on the Red, Blue, Orange, or Green Lines.
    • Trolley Station: An MBTA station that provides connecting service to a subway station but does not provide direct service inbound-to or outbound-from Park Street, Government Center, Downtown Crossing, or State Street.

Who/what would be affected

  • Local planning and zoning authorities in MBTA communities, which rely on standardized transit definitions for compliance with state guidelines and the MBTA Communities Act.
  • MBTA system planning and related guidelines, as the definitions would guide interpretation of transit categories (bus rapid transit, commuter rail, rapid transit, etc.).
  • Developers and developers’ planning efforts around transit stations, particularly areas designated as rapid transit communities or within defined station areas.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introductory status: Introduced February 27, 2025.
  • Referral: Referred to the Committee on Transportation on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room B-2.
  • Senate actions and related measures: The bill notes “Senate concurred” in the related version history and references HD 3802 (replaces), with a companion or related process indicated by the House docket (No. 3813).
  • Related bill: HD 3802 (replaces) is mentioned as related, suggesting potential consolidation or substitution.

Potential impact

  • By standardizing definitions, the bill aims to reduce ambiguity in transit-related planning and housing guidelines under the MBTA Communities Act.
  • Could influence eligibility criteria for development plans, station-area planning, and funding considerations tied to transit access.
  • Clarifies distinctions between bus rapid transit, Silver Line, subway, and commuter rail facilities for consistent regulatory interpretation.

Note

This summary reflects the text and actions provided. If enacted, the definitions would apply “for the purposes of this section and any guidelines promulgated thereunder,” affecting future guidance and planning around transit-oriented development in the Commonwealth.

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

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