In a significant shift towards automated traffic enforcement in Massachusetts, the MBTA is preparing to implement a new system that will ticket drivers blocking bus stops or bus lanes.
By the end of this year, select drivers in the Boston area could find traffic citations arriving in their mailboxes, with fines reaching up to $125 for violations captured by advanced camera technology.
This initiative marks a crucial step for the MBTA, as officials plan to initially equip a small fleet of buses with enforcement cameras before expanding to additional buses by 2026.
At a recent meeting, MBTA staff indicated that the initial phase of this program may begin with warnings or lower fines for first-time offenders while further details are still being finalized.
This move follows the signing of a new law by Governor Maura Healey in January, permitting the use of automated cameras for capturing license plates of vehicles violating bus lane or stop regulations.
While automated enforcement practices have been adopted in various cities across the United States, this will be the first instance of such technology being utilized for traffic violations in Massachusetts.
MBTA officials emphasize that the goal of these regulations is to improve driver behavior rather than generating revenue for the state.
According to Alexandra Hallowell, the MBTA’s director of transit priority, the implementation aims to enhance the efficiency of public transit, especially for people with physical disabilities who rely on proximity to the curb when boarding.
Currently, Boston’s streets often see public bus lanes obstructed by unauthorized vehicles, causing delays and increasing congestion.
With over 40 miles of dedicated bus lanes and plans to expand to more than 50 miles by the end of the decade, the MBTA has identified numerous locations for potential camera enforcement.
Seven initial sites have been pinpointed, including Brighton Avenue and parts of North Washington Street, with the intention of monitoring vehicular violations that hinder public transit.
Additionally, enforcement cameras could be installed at any of the 7,000 bus stops and exchange plazas across the MBTA network, with local cities and towns managing their installation while adhering to the MBTA’s regulations.
A preliminary analysis has highlighted ten locations, especially near major health care facilities, where bus stops are frequently blocked.
The first of these locations may include those in the Longwood Medical Area, as well as stops near Tufts Medical Center and Boston Medical Center.
According to the new legislation, any tickets issued based on these automated camera images must first undergo a review process to verify their accuracy.
Fines for parking illegally at a bus stop could amount to $100, while blocking a bus lane may incur fines ranging from $25 to $125.
Subsequent violations would lead to higher fines, and different penalties may apply based on whether the vehicle involved is personal or commercial.
Notably, the tickets will not be issued directly to the drivers but rather to the registered owner of the vehicle, providing an appeals process for individuals who were not driving at the time of the violation or believe the ticket was issued incorrectly.
This automated ticketing approach has already been successfully utilized in large cities such as New York City and Chicago, where similar systems have shown promise in deterring violations.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, for instance, has been enforcing bus lane violations using cameras since 2019, extending its camera program recently to those unlawfully parked at bus stops.
The current MBTA regulations aim to define “standing” broadly, ensuring that any vehicle obstructing the bus lanes is subject to fines regardless of its occupancy status.
Rachel Morse, the MBTA’s director of transit policy, emphasized that any vehicle standing still in a bus lane would be ticketed, regardless of whether it’s occupied or not.
As the MBTA continues drafting these regulations, they will encompass the penalty structures, appeals processes, and operational procedures for these enforcement cameras.
Agency officials are also considering whether to implement an educational grace period before the fines become active, possibly extending this timeframe beyond the 60 days stipulated by law, with suggestions that it could last as long as two years.
In June, the MBTA will solicit public comments on the proposed regulations, followed by a public hearing and plans for board approval in July or August.
These new automated ticketing regulations could also be adopted by other regional transit authorities interested in taking part.
Senator Will Brownsberger remarked on the historical challenges in passing these automated enforcement laws but noted that growing support among lawmakers now recognizes the deficiencies in current traffic enforcement.
He attributed this change to evolving driving patterns intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and a general reduction in police traffic stops following the protests of 2020.
With increased awareness about safety and efficiency on the roads, lawmakers found common ground in addressing privacy and due process concerns that had previously stalled the legislative process.
In a case study from San Francisco, Hallowell shared that 93% of those ticketed via automated cameras managed to adjust their behavior after receiving their citations, while the remaining 7% who continued to violate regulations accounted for a disproportionate amount of tickets.
This finding indicates a need for the MBTA to design the system with the clear aim of targeting those who are willing to change their behavior, rather than focusing solely on repeat offenders.
As the MBTA prepares for this modern method of traffic enforcement, it looks to support the integrity of public transportation while enhancing safety and accessibility for all riders.
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