H7138

Public Utilities and Carriers -- Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

RIPTA must consult with the MBTA to see if commuter rail passes can also be valid on Rhode Island buses.

Introduced

01/16/2026

Transportation: Public Transit

Bill Sponsors

J. Lombardi, Hull, Cruz, and Stewart

Committee

House Corporations

Last Action

01/16/2026
Introduced, referred to House Corporations

Summary

Select

This legislation requires the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to consult with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) regarding a potential partnership. The goal of this consultation is to determine the feasibility of allowing MBTA commuter rail passes to be accepted on all RIPTA buses, effectively making them dual-use transit passes. Additionally, the bill mandates that the two agencies discuss and propose methods for sharing the costs and revenue associated with these joint passes.

This bill is asking the people who run the buses in Rhode Island (RIPTA) to talk to the people who run the trains in Massachusetts (MBTA). They want to see if they can create a special ticket that works for both the train and the bus. Right now, you might need different tickets for each one. This rule tells them to talk about making one ticket that lets you ride both, and they also have to figure out how to share the money they make from selling those tickets.

Sponsor

Analysis

Pros for Progressives

Promotes the use of public transportation by aiming to create a seamless transition between rail and bus systems, potentially reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Improves accessibility and convenience for working-class commuters who rely on multiple forms of transit to get to their jobs, potentially lowering their overall transportation barriers.
Encourages regional cooperation between state agencies to maximize the efficiency and reach of existing public services without immediately requiring new infrastructure.

Cons for Progressives

Only mandates a feasibility study and consultation rather than immediate implementation, delaying potential benefits for commuters who need relief now.
Prioritizes interstate commuters who can afford rail travel, potentially diverting administrative attention away from improving local bus service for lower-income residents within Rhode Island.
Risks financial strain on the local transit authority if the eventual cost-sharing agreement favors the larger out-of-state agency over Rhode Island's needs.

Pros for Conservatives

Encourages efficiency by seeking to integrate existing transit systems rather than spending tax dollars on building entirely new infrastructure.
Supports the workforce by simplifying the commute for individuals traveling between states for employment, potentially boosting economic productivity.
Mandates a study on cost-sharing, ensuring that financial logistics are considered before committing taxpayer funds to a new program.

Cons for Conservatives

Creates a bureaucratic mandate for government agencies to hold consultations and studies, which often results in wasted taxpayer time and resources with no concrete results.
Risks entangling Rhode Island's budget and transit decisions with a Massachusetts agency, potentially reducing local control over state resources.
Could lead to a system where Rhode Island taxpayers subsidize the commutes of individuals working in Massachusetts if cost-sharing is not strictly enforced.

Constitutional Concerns

None Likely

Impact Overview

Groups Affected

Commuters
Public transit riders
RIPTA administrators
MBTA administrators
Bus drivers

Towns Affected

All

Cost to Taxpayers

Amount unknown

Revenue Generated

None

BillBuddy Impact Ratings

Importance

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Freedom Impact

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Public Services

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Regulatory

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Clarity of Bill Language

100

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Enforcement Provisions

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Environmental Impact

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Privacy Impact

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Bill Status

Current Status

Held

Comm Passed

Floor Passed

Law

History

• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations

Bill Text

SECTION 1. Chapter 39-18 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Public Transit Authority" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
39-18-25. Creation of parity with MBTA commuter passes.
The authority shall consult with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority on the feasibility of allowing their commuter rail passes to be used on all Rhode Island public transit authority buses. Both rail passes shall serve as dual Rhode Island public transit authority passes and Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority passes. The consultation shall also include proposed methods to apportion and share the costs of the passes between the two (2) authorities.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.