By Tiffany Williams –
The Healey-Driscoll administration is dropping $10 million to supercharge regional transit, greenlighting 16 projects aimed at breaking down barriers between towns and even crossing state lines to get riders where they need to go.
The funding is heading straight to Regional Transit Authorities, allowing them to launch new service expansions, extend promising pilot programs, and beef up existing connections across Massachusetts and into neighboring states.
“Regional Transit Authorities play a crucial role in reducing congestion and helping residents get to work, school, doctor’s appointments or anywhere else they need to go,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s great to see RTAs across the state and across New England working together to expand service and make it easier for people to get around. We’re proud to support their efforts as part of our continued work to improve transportation in all communities.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said the grants open the door for innovation and broader cooperation.
“These grants will give the Regional Transit Authorities the opportunity to test new ideas, strengthen existing service connections, and better collaborate across municipal and state boundaries,” Driscoll said. “By supporting both urban and rural projects, we are ensuring that residents in every part of Massachusetts have access to reliable, affordable, and convenient transit options. We’re excited to see these projects take shape and deliver real benefits for riders across the state.”
Among the headline-grabbing pilots are three projects that cross state borders. Lowell Regional Transit Authority will test year-round service to Nashua. Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority will launch connections to Salem, New Hampshire. Southeastern Regional Transit Authority will partner with Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to increase service between Fall River, Providence, and Newport.
“I’m so proud to be part of the Healey-Driscoll administration as we strive to deliver a robust transportation network that serves the entire Commonwealth. This administration continues to lead the way with essential investment in our regional transit authorities,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “Our Regional Transit Authorities are leading the way by leveraging this support with a focus on improving and expanding service to better serve the public, making our transportation network more reliable and accessible for all users. This funding helps to create even more options for residents who travel across the state as RTAs strengthen connectivity for all building upon existing programs and pilot projects.”
Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said the funding makes transit a stronger option statewide.
“These grants will help ensure that public transit is a reliable option no matter where you live or where you’re headed. By supporting enhanced collaboration among Regional Transit Authorities, we are expanding local service and creating better links to neighboring transportation systems. It is exciting to see these pilots and other projects increase transportation options for the public,” Slesinger said.
State leaders praised the investment as a win for mobility and economic growth.
“Providing regional transit authorities with the funding to strengthen connections is transformational for the communities and residents they serve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These meaningful improvements will help people get to school, work, and their local downtowns — which is why the Senate made these investments a priority, and why I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for deploying them so quickly statewide.”
“Ensuring that the Commonwealth is equipped with a safe and reliable public transportation system is critical for the prosperity of our residents and communities, and will be vital in our future efforts to grow the economy,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “That’s why the House has supported record investments in public transit, including for regional transit authorities, which connect communities across the Commonwealth.”
Transportation Committee leaders pointed to equity and access, especially in rural areas.
“Across the Commonwealth, RTAs are the backbone of our regional transportation system, and for our more rural communities RTAs are the only regular means of accessible transit,” said State Representative James Arciero. “I am pleased to see this funding support worthwhile pilots and projects, including microtransit and working with partners across state lines, to enhance regional transportation equity.”
“Our RTAs provide essential services to get residents to medical appointments, grocery stores, and to rail stations to connect to other transit; this funding will give them the flexibility to expand their services and continue to get people where they need to go,” said State Senator Brendan Crighton.
Some projects tackle long-standing gaps even within Massachusetts, including a joint effort by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to expand service between Southampton, Southwick, Westfield, Easthampton, and Northampton.
Transit leaders on the ground say the money will translate directly into faster trips and new routes.
“The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority is grateful for MassDOT’s continued partnership and support of regional mobility,” said Jim Nee, Administrator of MWRTA, highlighting expanded commuter rail connections and microtransit service.
“With this grant, MeVa will add two new bus routes requested by our passengers,” said Noah Berger of Merrimack Valley Transit, pointing to new crosstown and cross-border routes connecting riders to health care and jobs.
“MART and our partnering rural communities are thrilled to be receiving funds through the MassDOT Connectivity grant program and the Healey-Driscoll administration,” said Bruno Fisher of the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, calling the funding critical for residents with no other transit options.
More details on the grants and projects are available through the state’s transit connectivity program website.