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H 3626

Penn Center Heritage parade

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Rivers

Requires MBTA and RTAs to study reduced or free veteran fares, engage stakeholders, and report by Oct 15, 2026; could enable cost-effective no-fare options if feasible.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3626

Summary: H.3626 – An Act relative to fares for veterans

Overview

H.3626, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. David Biele, seeks to explore and potentially implement reduced or free transit fares for veterans across Massachusetts. The bill does not immediately enact fare changes; instead, it requires a formal study and planning process to assess feasibility, costs, and administration, with the aim of informing future action.

Purpose and intent

  • To authorize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and regional transit authorities (RTAs) to study and, if feasible, implement reduced or free fare programs for qualifying veterans.
  • To ensure veteran-focused mobility options are considered in coordination with the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services.
  • To determine whether such fare reductions could be implemented cost-effectively, including consideration of no-fare options.

Key provisions

Section 1 — MBTA study and plan

  • The MBTA, in coordination with the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, must conduct a study on the impacts, benefits, and costs of a reduced-fare program for veterans.
  • The study must include a stakeholder engagement plan with opportunities for public input across MBTA service areas.
  • The study/analysis must address:
    • (i) number of riders expected to benefit;
    • (ii) average fare reductions by transit mode;
    • (iii) overall revenue impact to the MBTA;
    • (iv) partnership models for eligibility determination and verification;
    • (v) estimated administrative and marketing costs.
  • An implementation analysis must be filed with the clerks of the Senate and House, and the relevant committees (Ways and Means; Joint Committee on Transportation) no later than October 15, 2026.

Section 2 — Regional transit authorities (RTAs)

  • The regional transit authority council (as established in the General Laws, ch. 161B, §27) and the Secretary of Veterans’ Services may assist RTAs in implementing veteran fare programs (free or discounted fares on all modes operated by each authority).
  • Each RTA must also develop:
    • A stakeholder engagement plan with public input opportunities.
    • An implementation analysis addressing:
    • (i) number of riders to benefit;
    • (ii) average fare reductions by mode;
    • (iii) revenue impact;
    • (iv) eligibility verification partnerships;
    • (v) estimated administrative/marketing costs;
    • (vi) consideration of a no-fare option if cheaper to implement.

Affected parties

  • Veterans who use MBTA services and RTAs could be beneficiaries of reduced or free fares if a program is adopted.
  • MBTA and RTAs would need to plan, analyze, and potentially administer new fare programs, including eligibility verification and marketing.
  • The Executive Office of Veterans’ Services would coordinate with transportation agencies.
  • State lawmakers and committees (Ways and Means; Joint Committee on Transportation) would review study findings and any implementation recommendations.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation: February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room B-2.
  • Required study and implementation analysis due to the clerks and the relevant committees by October 15, 2026.
  • Related bill: HD 4133 (replaces) referenced in connection with this measure.

Potential impact

  • If the study supports cost-effective feasibility, a veteran fare program could be implemented across MBTA and RTAs, benefiting qualifying riders and potentially altering fare structures and revenue models.
  • The bill emphasizes stakeholder engagement, transparency, and a data-driven approach before any future legislative action.

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

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