The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) awarded $8.9 million to transit entities throughout the commonwealth through its Community Transit Grant Program.
The annual competitive grant program helps fund transit operating costs, mobility management and new capital projects. The funding for FY 2022 will see 115 vans and minibuses go to 27 organizations and money to 18 entities for 23 operating and mobility management projects.
“Community Transit Grants provide critical funding to local organizations to purchase equipment to help people get where they need to go efficiently and safely,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “Our administration will continue to make efforts to work with local leaders, community stakeholders, and the private sector to make transit accessible to everyone.”
Award recipients include some of the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), municipalities, Councils on Aging and eligible nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts.
“These grant awards expand upon current transportation services in areas where transit may currently be limited and will ensure that residents have additional options for travel,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
The Community Transit Grant Program is how the commonwealth distributes both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities funds and State Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funds.
“The Community Transit Grant Program is essential in allowing transportation providers across the Commonwealth to adapt and improve their services for the public,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “In particular, these grants will help projects that will benefit individuals with disabilities or others who need assistance while accessing transportation.”
A complete list of vehicle and funding recipients is available on MassDOT’s website.
The transit authorities to receive the greatest number of vehicles through the FY22 grant program include the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which received 15 vehicles, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which received 14 and the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which received 14.
