BOSTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Fourteen regional transit authorities across Massachusetts banded together to apply for grants from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit program. They were together awarded $3.25 million to expand Microtransit services across communities. 

From the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Rail and Transit Division:

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced nine awards totaling $10 million 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 that improve access to jobs, housing, education and essential services across Massachusetts. 

The grants will support projects that use microtransit, on-demand shared-ride services, and last-mile connections that link riders to transit hubs and key destinations. Award recipients will use the funding to expand rural access, improve mobility for people who lack transit options, and support communities advancing sustainable housing and transportation planning. Three awards will fund regional bikeshare initiatives that strengthen first and last mile connections, while six awards support microtransit services. 

“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.” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “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.”

“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,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “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.” 

This is a new grant program made possible by $10 million in Fair Share funding through the FY25 Supplemental budget. This round was highly competitive, and additional applications will be funded through the Community Transit Grant Program operating and mobility management funding, with award announcements forthcoming.  

“The Salem Skipper has provided 559,000 rides since it launched in 2020, connecting residents, students, visitors, and workers to jobs, school, medical appointments, and more. Microtransit and last mile connectivity are vital to our community’s vibrancy and to meeting the affordability challenges Salem families face today. At $2 a ride, the Salem Skipper demonstrates that low-cost, on-demand ride share service meets the needs of our community in so many important ways. I’m incredibly grateful to MassDOT and the Healey-Driscoll administration for this grant to extend the service for additional time.” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo.

Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra of Northampton shared, “On behalf of the City of Northampton, I am thrilled to accept a Last Mile grant from MassDOT for ValleyBike for operations and fleet modernization for this critical piece of the Pioneer Valley’s transportation puzzle.  As is the case with all modes of travel, this 24/7 last mile transit is only feasible with public investment through partnerships between local communities and the Commonwealth. This is an important next step toward a more equitable transportation system that prioritizes all modes and all users. This funding enables ValleyBike bike share to continue to provide transportation for residents throughout the Valley to connect to regional bus transit and other destinations where transit does not currently exist.  My entire team here in Northampton is deeply grateful to our state legislative delegation for funding this important work and for their tireless advocacy for transit alternatives.  We are proud to partner with MassDOT to operate this critical program.” 

The following communities and organizations will receive funding in 2025:

• City of Northampton received $1,500,000 to support the regional ValleyBike electric bikeshare system, including operations, fleet expansion, and dock replacement.
• City of Quincy received $250,000 to expand the Bluebikes system across the Neponset River into Quincy.
• City of Salem received $1,000,000 to continue funding theSalem Skipper microtransit service serving Salem, Beverly, and Danvers.
• City of Woburn received $1,000,000 in funding to pilot a new regional microtransit service in partnership with Burlington, Wakefield, and Reading. 
• Fourteen Regional Transit Authorities of Massachusetts received $3,250,000 tthrough a joint application to expand microtransit services across select communities.
• Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) received $1,300,000 to support bikeshare operations and add new stations near transit.
• Montachusett Regional Transit Authority received $300,000 to pilot a new microtransit service connecting community college campuses with healthcare and employment centers.
• Town of Great Barrington received $600,000 to continue their microtransit program serving Southern Berkshire County.
• Town of Stoneham received $800,000 to continue funding for a successful microtransit service in Stoneham. 

For more information on the Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program, please visit the program website. The list of grant recipients can also be found here. 

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