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H 3744

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby Cox and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would make MBTA and regional transit services free on the day of biennial state primaries and general elections to boost voter access.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3744

Summary: H 3744 – An Act to establish free access to ride to elections in Massachusetts (FARE)

Overview

H 3744, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Frank A. Moran (17th Essex), would establish free public transportation on election days in Massachusetts. The bill targets state primary and state general election days, allowing riders to use certain transit services at no fare.

Main Purpose

  • To increase accessibility to voting by removing fare barriers for public transportation on the days of biennial state primaries and biennial state general elections.
  • The policy is designed to reduce transportation-related obstacles to voting by offering free rides on election days.

Key Provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special law, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and regional transit authorities (RTAs) organized under Chapter 161B of the General Laws shall not charge riders a fare for:
    • Rapid transit
    • Bus
    • Trolleybus services on fixed routes
  • The fare exemption applies specifically on the day of a biennial state primary or biennial state general election.
  • The provision applies to fixed-route services; other modes not explicitly covered (e.g., commuter rail, ferries, paratransit) are not addressed in the text provided.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries: Voters and commuters using MBTA rapid transit, bus, or trolleybus on fixed routes on election days, as well as riders utilizing RTAs under Chapter 161B on those routes.
  • Potential impacts:
    • Increased voter access and turnout by reducing transportation costs on election days.
    • Foregone fare revenue for MBTA and RTAs on election days.
    • Administrative considerations for logistics and eligibility verification (though the bill’s text does not specify verification processes).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Filed: January 13, 2025
  • Current Status:
    • Referred to the committee on Transportation (initial step)
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (as of November 18, 2025)
    • Previous/related action: Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (per the legislative actions list)
  • Hearing:
    • Hearing scheduled (noted dates include September 16, 2025, and another scheduled date of August 25, 2025 in the entries)
  • Related materials: HD 864 replaces the measure in some records.

Fiscal and Implementation Considerations

  • The bill does not specify a funding source or mechanism to compensate transit agencies for lost fare revenue on election days; implementation would likely require agency budgeting adjustments or legislative appropriations.
  • Because the exemption applies to fixed-route services, agencies may need to ensure clear public communication and system-wide notices for election days.

Notes

  • The bill’s language is concise, focusing on waiving fares on designated election days for fixed-route MBTA and RTAs services.
  • If enacted, the policy would become effective on the days of biennial state primaries and biennial state general elections, aligning with Massachusetts’ election calendar.

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

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