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Supporters tell committee parking cash‑out would lower vehicle miles traveled, ease congestion
Summary
Backers of Senate Bill S1346 said parking cash‑out — giving employees the cash value of employer‑subsidized parking if they decline it — can cut vehicle miles traveled, reduce emissions and be implemented with minimal cost to employers. Business groups urged caution about implementation details.
Parking cash‑out legislation drew broad support and technical questions at the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development hearing, with advocates saying the policy would reduce driving, lower emissions and shift commutes to transit, walking and biking.
Proponents told the committee Senate Bill S1346 would require employers who subsidize parking to offer employees the cash equivalent or another commute benefit if they decline the parking. "Parking cash out simply requires employers offering employees a parking subsidy, the choice between parking and an equally valued alternative benefit if they choose not to drive," said Emma Swamy, a data scientist at StreetLight Data, who testified in support of S1346 and said she helped draft the bill while a MassDOT Rappaport Public Policy Fellow.
Supporters said existing studies and federal modeling show…
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