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Massachusetts Public Records Law

The Massachusetts Public Records Law, found in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10, establishes the public’s right to access most records made or received by state and local government officials and agencies. The law promotes transparency by requiring agencies to provide records upon request, unless a specific exemption applies under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 26, such as those protecting personal privacy, investigatory materials, or security-sensitive information. Agencies must designate two Records Access Officers (RAO) to handle requests and respond within set timeframes — typically within 10 business days for acknowledgment and 15 to 25 business days for production. Consistent with this law, MART designated two Records Access Officers (RAO). Both RAOs are reachable via email at RAO@mrta.us. MART policies governing operations of transit and brokerage services can be found within this searchable website. Click here for MART’s Public Records Guidelines, which includes a list of record categories. Anyone may make a public records request in the following manner:
  • In person at our Administration Headquarters located at 1427R Water St, Fitchburg, MA
  • Written request hand-delivered to Administration Headquarters
  • By first-class mail addressed to the RAO at the above address
  • By facsimile to 978-345-9867
  • By email sent to RAO@mrta.us
Oral requests may be made over the phone but are not subject to appeal. A detailed database of all requests will be retained. MART is obligated to respond to such requests within 10 business days (M–F) after receipt of the request and provide a copy of or access to the records within 25 business days. All requests will be fulfilled electronically (PDF format) to an email address provided by the requestor, where possible. Records may be subject to redaction or segregation if they contain information that may not be disclosed by law, are exempt under the public records law, or are subject to other legally applicable privileges. If the nature of the request is such that a fee may be charged to provide the records, an estimate will be provided to the requestor before any work is performed to fulfill the request. MART has the legal right to charge a fee under the following circumstances:
  • If the data is too large to be emailed, a data storage device may be used. The cost of such a device may be charged to the requestor.
  • If the requestor cannot or will not accept an electronic format, then paper copies may be provided at the cost of 5 cents per page. MART will double-side copies to save pages.
  • If the requestor demands that paper copies be mailed to them, MART may charge the cost of the postage.
  • If compliance with requests takes more than 2 hours to produce, due to the volume or nature of the request (e.g., redaction is required), a rate not to exceed $25 per hour for each hour over 2 hours will be charged.
Requesters who are denied access can appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records in the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office and, if necessary, seek review in Superior Court.