May 11, 2026 |Infrastructure, MBTA, News, State of MA, Transportation

MBTA Releases Equity Analyses for South Coast Rail and Ferry Services, Opens Public Comment Period

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From the MBTA: The MBTA today released equity analyses for South Coast Rail service and three ferry routes and opened a 21-day public comment period through June 1, 2026. 

Federal Title VI requirements call for the MBTA to evaluate whether major service changes disproportionately impact riders based on race, ethnicity, or income level. The analyses help the MBTA better understand how service changes affect communities and riders across the system. 

South Coast Rail: 

In March 2025, the MBTA began service on South Coast Rail, bringing the long-awaited return of passenger rail service to southeastern Massachusetts.   

The equity analysis found that while the new service increases access to rail transportation for all residents of the service area, the increase is experienced slightly more by non-minority individuals, which is consistent with the demographic makeup of the service area. The analysis also found that South Coast Rail service benefits low-income populations more than populations that are not low income. 

Visit MBTA.com/EquityAnalysis  to read the Executive Summary and full Equity Analysis. 

East Boston, Lynn, and Winthrop/Quincy Ferry Services: 

In 2022 and 2023, the MBTA began or took over operation of three seasonal ferry routes: East Boston, Lynn, and Winthrop/Quincy. 

While the new ferry routes increased access to affordable, sustainable transportation, the equity analysis found that these increases are experienced slightly more by non-minority riders.  

When the MBTA proposes a major service change, federal law through Title VI requires the MBTA to conduct an equity analysis. The analysis allows the MBTA to better understand the anticipated impacts of the changes and evaluate whether the change will have a discriminatory impact on populations protected on the basis of race or ethnicity or on low-income populations. More information is available at MBTA.com/policies/fair-service-fair-fares. 

This public comment period is part of the process for evaluating the impacts of major service changes. Feedback from the public will be incorporated into the final analyses summary that is shared with the MBTA’s Board of Directors. Riders and members of the public are asked to submit their feedback by email or mail through June 1: 

Send an email to publicengagement@mbta.com 

Mail a letter to:

MBTA Title VI Equity Analysis
c/o MBTA External Affairs
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3830
Boston, MA 02116 

For more information, visit MBTA.com/EquityAnalysis or connect with the T on X @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta.  

About the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) opened America’s first subway tunnel in 1897, pioneering public transportation in the United States. Today, the MBTA is one of the largest public transit systems in the country, operating an extensive network of subway, bus, Commuter Rail, ferry, and paratransit services across 176 cities and towns. The MBTA is undergoing a transformative period, focusing on cultivating a culture of safety and excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and improving reliability and accessibility. Current priorities include accelerating critical infrastructure repairs, expanding accessibility, and reducing emissions. The MBTA is committed to providing dependable, frequent, and accessible service that riders can rely on while supporting the region’s economic vitality. Through initiatives like the unprecedented Track Improvement Program, the Better Bus Program, and the Rail Modernization Plan, the MBTA aims to connect communities and improve riders’ daily experiences and trips. For questions or assistance, riders are encouraged to contact the MBTA Customer Center at 617-222-3200. Members of the press are encouraged to contact mediarelations@mbta.com. For the latest updates on MBTA services, projects, and initiatives, visit MBTA.com or follow @MBTA on social media.