MBTA Bus Stop Law Effective Today

The MBTA General Manager joined state and local officials and members of the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) at a press conference to officially announce the first day of the Bus Stop Access Law. The recently enacted law carries a stringent penalty for illegally parked vehicles in bus stops.

Signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on January 7, the Bus Stop Access Law will provide the necessary tools to enhance both the availability and accessibility of bus stops throughout the Commonwealth. The new law increases the fine to $100 for vehicles that are illegally parked in public bus stops throughout the state, and enables one common ticket book to be used by all enforcing agencies throughout the Commonwealth.

"Whether they are traveling to work, home or a doctor’s appointment, all transit users deserve a safe and accessible bus ride,” said Transportation Secretary Aloisi. “I commend everyone who worked so hard to pass this important new law and send the message that illegal parking at bus stops is both dangerous and irresponsible.”

Vehicles that are parked illegally in bus stops prevent a bus from pulling to the curb and force riders to navigate from the sidewalk to an active roadway often during rush hour or other congested conditions. Prior to the bus stop bill, the MBTA and other enforcing agencies did not possess the authority to establish and administer fines for illegally parking in bus stops. Instead, the authority to ticket vehicles illegally parked in a bus stop rested with each municipality.

Pleased with the law’s tighter measures, the MBTA General Manager said, “Having to pay a heftier fine along with stricter enforcement will certainly raise awareness amongst those who continue to illegally park in T bus stops. Access to public transportation is everyone’s right, and the Bus Stop Law brings us closer to achieving our shared vision to make the MBTA a model transit system accessible to all.”

“Accessible buses are a critical component in ensuring people with disabilities have an opportunity to independently live in their communities,” said Massachusetts Office on Disability Director Myra Berloff. “However, bus stops blocked by parked cars make it dangerous, if not impossible, to use the buses. The increased fines and expanded enforcement created by this law will go a long way toward ensuring bus stops are kept clear and usable by all.”

To ensure provisions of the Bus Stop Access Law is conveyed to communities throughout the Commonwealth, the MBTA partnered with the Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) on an outreach campaign to share information and promote awareness of the penalties that come with illegally parking in bus stops. The campaign includes exterior bus signage carrying the message “Parking in a bus stop is fine. A $100 fine, that is. Do not park in a bus stop!” Sharing the mission to promote and provide quality public transportation to all, 15 RTAs in the Commonwealth will adorn their vehicles with the informational signage.

"This new law will help to improve access for our elders and people with disabilities, many of whom find it difficult or impossible to get on board an MBTA bus, unless the driver can pull close to the curb,” said Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons. “ Law enforcement officers now have a new tool in their arsenal to ensure that vehicles are not parked illegally in MBTA bus stops, which all too often prevents drivers from deploying essential accessibility features like kneelers and wheelchair lifts."

Commenting on the recently passed legislation, Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) staff member Rob Park said, “It is vital that buses pull to the curb because it’s dangerous and sometimes impossible to get on the bus if it has to load away from the curb and in the street. We’re pleased with the support this legislation received from the MBTA.”

With the assistance and support of the following members of the legislature, state and local institutions, and organizations; persons illegally parked in a bus stop will encounter harsher penalties: Senate President Therese Murray; House Speaker Robert DeLeo; Senate Transportation Chairman Steven A. Baddour; House Transportation Chairman Joseph F. Wagner; Massachusetts Office On Disability Myra Berloff; the BCIL (Boston Center for Independent Living) Executive Director Bill Henning; Judge Patrick King; Greater Boston Legal Service (GBLS) Dan Manning; Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA ( AACT) Ben Haynes; Transportation Secretary James Aloisi; the MBTA General Manager; MBTA Chief of Police Paul MacMillan, and hundreds of supporters from various communities across the Commonwealth.

Similar Bus Stop Law announcements occurred today in Springfield, Brockton, and Lowell.