Zero Emission Transit Bus Deployment Plans and Support

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority capital investment program for mass transportation must include a five-year rolling plan to prioritize the deployment of zero emission buses on routes that service underserved and low-income communities. Each plan must report on the progress of public transit electrification goals, including the number of non-zero emission transit buses, barriers to zero emission transit bus deployment, and legislative recommendations to address adoption barriers.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) must support regional transit authorities in creating electric transit bus adoption plans. Plans must include:

• A goal to transition to zero emission buses;
• The types of zero emission bus technologies a regional transit authority may deploy;
• A schedule for the construction or upgrade of facilities and other infrastructure necessary to deploy and maintain a zero emission bus fleet;
• A schedule for zero emission and internal combustion engine bus purchases and leases;
• The prioritization of zero emission bus deployment in underserved communities;
• A training plan for zero emission bus operators and maintenance staff; and,
• Potential funding sources.

By February 11, 2022, MassDOT must develop and issue recommendations for incentive programs that regional transit authorities may use to deploy and maintain zero emission vehicles.

(Reference Session Law Chapter 448, Section 6A, 2016 and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 25A, Section 1 and 5, and Chapter 161A, Section 5)