The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that nine awards totaling $10 million have been granted through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program. The funding will support Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities, and a Regional Planning Agency in expanding flexible, technology-enabled transit options to improve access to jobs, housing, education, and essential services across Massachusetts.
The grants will fund projects utilizing microtransit, on-demand shared-ride services, and last-mile connections linking riders to transit hubs and key destinations. Three awards are designated for regional bikeshare initiatives aimed at strengthening first and last mile connections, while six awards support microtransit services. The program is intended to expand rural access, improve mobility for those lacking transit options, and assist communities advancing sustainable housing and transportation planning.
“Through MassDOT’s new Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program, MassDOT is empowering municipalities, RTAs and Regional Planning Agencies to deliver innovative transportation solutions that focus on connectivity between transit hubs and destinations. These programs will connect riders to the jobs, housing, education and destinations they depend on, while improving quality of life across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership in supporting these investments and to the Legislature for their continued commitment to expanding transportation options for all Massachusetts residents,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng.
Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said: “With the launch of this grant program, MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division is pleased to provide $10 million in support for innovative transit in cities and towns across the state. Microtransit and last mile connections help transit users bridge the gap between existing service and their destination, and we will continue to support our partners to enhance mobility options across the Commonwealth.” Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said: “The Salem Skipper has provided 559,000 rides since it launched in 2020…Microtransit and last mile connectivity are vital…At $2 a ride…I’m incredibly grateful…for this grant to extend the service for additional time.” Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said: “On behalf of the City of Northampton…this 24/7 last mile transit is only feasible with public investment through partnerships between local communities and the Commonwealth…This funding enables ValleyBike bike share to continue to provide transportation for residents throughout the Valley…We are proud to partner with MassDOT.”
Funding recipients include Northampton ($1.5 million) for ValleyBike electric bikeshare operations; Quincy ($250,000) for Bluebikes expansion; Salem ($1 million) for continued Salem Skipper microtransit service; Woburn ($1 million) for a new regional microtransit pilot; fourteen Regional Transit Authorities ($3.25 million) via joint application; Metropolitan Area Planning Council ($1.3 million) for bikeshare operations; Montachusett Regional Transit Authority ($300,000) for a college-to-healthcare/employment center pilot; Great Barrington ($600,000) continuing its microtransit program; Stoneham ($800,000) supporting ongoing microtransit service.
This new grant program was made possible by $10 million in Fair Share funding through the FY25 Supplemental budget. Additional applications will be funded through Community Transit Grant Program operating funds with further announcements expected soon. More information can be found according to the official roster page.
