This bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts tasked with evaluating micro-transit services, their operation, and funding requirements. The commission will conduct a comprehensive study of both current and emerging micro-transit models, benchmark different operating models, assess funding sources and requirements, and define micro-transit services eligible for state funding. It aims to estimate the annual funding needed from the state and propose frameworks for periodic reassessment of these needs. Furthermore, the commission will explore how micro-transit could remedy mobility gaps, enhance connectivity, and advance transportation equity among diverse populations and geographical areas.

The commission will comprise various members including legislative representatives, appointees from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities, representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and individuals from advocacy and policy organizations. It will be jointly chaired by the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on transportation. The commission is required to complete its study and submit a final report with recommendations within 15 months of being established, with an option to release a draft report for public comment prior to the final submission.

This bill establishes the InterCity Regional Passenger Rail Fund, designed to finance rail transportation projects, initially focusing on the Route 2 Corridor. The fund will support various costs associated with rail transportation, including contracts, services, and debt service on bonds for passenger rail expansion or improvements. To support this fund, the bill establishes a New Gaming Revenue Fund, earmarking 25% of the gross gaming revenues from the Region D gaming licensee for the InterCity Passenger Rail Fund. The bill also restructures the allocation of Massachusetts gaming regions: it redefines Region A to encompass Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Norfolk counties, and designates a new Region D, which includes the towns of Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg, and Westminster. Furthermore, it specifies that any gaming license granted within Region D must be for a site comprising at least 70 contiguous acres.

This bill establishes the InterCity Regional Passenger Rail Fund, designed to finance rail transportation projects, initially focusing on the Route 2 Corridor. The fund will support various costs associated with rail transportation, including contracts, services, and debt service on bonds for passenger rail expansion or improvements. To support this fund, the bill establishes a New Gaming Revenue Fund, earmarking 25% of the gross gaming revenues from the Region D gaming licensee for the InterCity Passenger Rail Fund. The bill also restructures the allocation of Massachusetts gaming regions: it redefines Region A to encompass Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Norfolk counties, and designates a new Region D, which includes the towns of Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg, and Westminster. Furthermore, it specifies that any gaming license granted within Region D must be for a site comprising at least 70 contiguous acres.

This bill creates a special commission to examine micro-transit services in Massachusetts, focusing on current and emerging systems and their funding models. The commission aims to compare different operating models, evaluate funding sources and restrictions, and establish criteria for state funding eligibility. It will estimate the annual state financial support required for micro-transit and suggest methods for regular review of these estimates. Additionally, the commission will investigate the role of micro-transit in bridging mobility gaps, improving connectivity, and addressing transportation disparities. The commission will comprise representatives from government, regional transit authorities, independent living councils, and public health and aging councils. A final report with recommendations is expected within 15 months of the bill's passage, potentially preceded by a draft report for public feedback.