The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has awarded $3.5 million in grants for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the commonwealth to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers.
“This grant program helps support Regional Transit Authorities to launch projects to enhance their existing services and implement best practices,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “This funding will also help RTAs develop innovative plans to provide more reliable service to riders across the Commonwealth.”
The RTA funding recipients have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies. Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones.
“We are helping to ensure that people throughout Massachusetts have the best options for reaching jobs and economic opportunities,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Gov. Karyn Polito. “Each of these projects will help improve Regional Transit Authorities’ services and we look forward to seeing their completion.”
“We look forward to the funding recipients carrying out these projects,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The $3.5 million in funding will help provide benefits such as more frequent service on some routes, pilot programs and improved customer experience and outreach.”
The Baker-Polito Administration has filed an $18 billion Transportation Bond Bill which authorizes $330 million in capital support for the 15 RTAs to invest in fleets and facilities. The bill also includes a new $50 million Transit Infrastructure Partnership Program which would provide grants to enable transit authorities and municipalities to work together to provide bus lanes, transit signal priority and other infrastructure to keep buses moving.
These awards mark the second round of grants provided by the Baker-Polito Administration for the RTAs to develop innovative services. Previously, $5.1 million in RTA grant awards were provided, including $4 million in operating funding allocated in the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget signed by Gov. Baker, as well as an additional $1.1 million in capital funding from MassDOT.
For the grants announced, all project proposals were selected on a competitive basis and grant recipients will now be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MassDOT to address the project goals. A full list of award winners can be found here.
