SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall conduct a comprehensive transit service assessment relative to establishing a minimum of future direct bus rapid transit between Kendall Square in Cambridge, Allston, North Brighton and the Longwood Medical Area in Boston. 

SECTION 2. The assessment shall focus on identifying the transit infrastructure that needs to be preserved for a minimum of future direct bus rapid transit alternatives between Kendall Square in Cambridge, Allston, North Brighton and the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, reviewing the prospect of constructing and operating on existing rights of way, analyzing the impact of planned, designed, funded or under construction transportation or development projects nearby, defining the potential market for these future transit services, and evaluating the potential economic benefits to the region and to the Commonwealth as a whole. 

SECTION 3. The department shall make recommendations on the preferred route and how to preserve the transit infrastructure necessary for a minimum of future direct bus rapid transit alternatives between Kendall Square in Cambridge, Allston, North Brighton and the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, taking into consideration nearby transportation and development projects that have been studied, designed, funded, or are under construction. The department shall file a report with the clerks of the house and senate, the house and senate committee on ways and means, and the joint committee on transportation not later than July 31, 2022.