Thanks to the work of the ACLU of Massachusetts and coalition allies working with the MBTA, the Governor last week signed into law crucial new protections for transit riders.

Included in omnibus transportation bond legislation approved by the Governor were two key provisions sought by the ACLU.

First, section 12 of the new law requires police to get a warrant to access sensitive MBTA passenger data.

Second, section 7 decriminalizes fare evasion on all MBTA properties, meaning no person can be arrested for failure to pay.