Massachusetts House Bill H3316

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/7/24

Caption

Establishing a pilot program allowing for in-person payment of daily parking fees at certain commuter rail stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Impact

The introduction of this bill is expected to enhance parking fee collection efficiency at the targeted commuter rail stations, particularly for those who may not have access to mobile payment solutions. By providing an alternative method for payment, the MBTA seeks to accommodate diverse customer preferences and improve overall user experience. The bill includes a provision for assessment by requiring the MBTA to report on the program's efficacy, including the percentage of fees collected and recommendations for future implementations after the pilot concludes.

Summary

House Bill H3316 aims to establish a pilot program for the in-person payment of daily parking fees at specific commuter rail stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The bill specifically targets the Canton Junction, Canton Center, and Stoughton stations, introducing a system where customers can pay parking fees using automated machines without the requirement for a mobile phone or other electronic devices. This initiative is set to last for 18 months, during which the installation and maintenance of two automated payment machines at each station will be required.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on improving commuter rail services and payment flexibility, it may face scrutiny regarding the initial investment and operational costs associated with setting up the automated payment systems. Additionally, there might be discussions on the potential need for expanding this payment system to other stations or services based on the pilot program's outcomes. Stakeholders will be interested in the report outcomes to evaluate the program's merit and justify any future deployments.