License applications are received daily from citizens, municipalities and companies that wish to access MBTA owned property, or work within the MBTA’s Zone of Influence (ZOI). Prior to entering and/or performing any work on, over, MBTA property or within the MBTA’s ZOI, an MBTA license must be obtained.
When there is any potential for a project to impact or interfere with the MBTA’s services, right-of-way or infrastructure, the only way the MBTA can control the important interest of safeguarding the MBTA’s transportation system, is by having the project’s owner/developer/contractor (ODC) enter into a License Agreement with the MBTA to ensure the safe operation of the rail system.
This License Agreement will facilitate a review of the proposed work, and will be approved with an order of conditions that may include MBTA design review and construction oversight, dependent upon the nature of the proposed work. Often times a Force Account (MBTA expense account) is required to fund this review and oversight.
The Manual below (MBTA Zone of Influence Guidelines) outlines the process requirements that are to be followed for MBTA design review, authorization, and construction oversight. This manual does NOT replace any MBTA Design Guidelines or Standards; it is to be used in conjunction with these documents.
MBTA Zone of Influence (ZOI)
Below are a few examples that require an MBTA License:
- Construction
- Land surveys
- Install or maintain utility and telecommunication lines
- Perform bridge inspections
- Environmental testing
License Process
Turnaround Time
Fees
Insurance
Telecommunications and Utilities
Executed License Distribution
To Apply Online
Additional Documentation for Review
MBTA Zone of Influence Guidelines
Procedures for Environmental Data Collection and Monitoring Well Management on MBTA-Owned Property
License Process
Turnaround Time
The anticipated turnaround time from the application processing date to the fully executed document date is approximately 4 to 6 months, except as otherwise required by law. Please note this time frame is approximate and subject to change.
*Due to canvassing requirements, all incomplete processed applications will be automatically cancelled 1 year past the origination date of the application. Applicant will be required to submit a new application and pay new application fees (see Fees section below).
REQUIREMENTS
Fees
| Administrative Fee | *Design & Construction and Structural Review Fee | License Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Access Licenses | $1,000 | $1,600 minimum | $1,000 |
| Telecommunication and Utility Licenses (except Small Wireless Facility Licenses) | $1,000 | $1,600 minimum | $5,000** |
| Small Wireless Facility Licenses | $500*** | $1,600 minimum | $270 per facility |
*Only applicable when the scope of the proposed work warrants a Design & Construction Plan and Structural review. Fee is based on the actual cost to the MBTA of retaining engineering consultants with the expertise necessary to review the application.
**Telecommunication and Utility Licenses are a minimum of $5,000.00 or will be assessed based on the public utility rates
***Applicants will be charged an additional fee of $100 per facility in excess of the first 5 facilities requested in a single application.
All checks must be made payable to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and must be mailed to:
Greystone
Attn: Licensing Director
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Applications will not be processed until the Administrative and Design & Construction Plan Review (if applicable) Fees are received.
Insurance
All licensees must obtain insurance that is equal to or greater than the following MBTA insurance requirement threshold amounts:
| Commercial General Liability | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury, bodily injury and property damage | Not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) |
| Per occurrence | Not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) |
| Umbrella Coverage | Not less than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) |
| Automobile Liability | Threshold |
|---|---|
| All owned, non-owned, hired, rented or leased vehicles of licensee and its consultants and contractors used in the permitted license activities | Not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) |
| Worker’s Compensation |
|---|
| Not less than those required by the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 152, as amended. |
| Railroad Protective (if applicable) | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Per occurrence | Not less than five million ($5,000,000) |
| Aggregate combined bodily injury and property damage | Not less than ten million ($10,000,000) |
Insurance certificates must note the MBTA and all applicable railroad companies as additional insureds. Certificates will not be accepted if the thresholds do not meet the MBTA required threshold amounts and/or the MBTA and applicable railroad companies are not listed as additional insureds.
Telecommunications and Utilities
In addition to the submission of the application and detailed plans, all Telecommunication and Utility Applications that reference an existing agreement must also submit the following:
- Master Agreement
- Agreement Commencement Date
- Agreement Reference Number
If no reference information is received the proposed work will be considered a new location and/or installation.
Executed License Distribution
A fully executed license will be sent to the Licensee provided the Greystone Licensing Director has received all of the following:
- Licensee’s signature on agreement
- All applicable fees
- Compliant certificates of insurance
The fully executed license will not be sent to licensee without receipt of all of these items.
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
To Apply Online
- Click here to fill out the License Application. A PDF copy of your submittal will be e-mailed to you.
- Submit a map, detailed plans of the property and/or construction specifications and a check for the applicable administrative fee (payable to the MBTA) to the Greystone Licensing Director.