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MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program awarded $1.9 million

Posted: 9 January 2023 | | No comments yet

Under its Community Transit Grant Program, the funding will be distributed across 30 operating and mobility management projects, with a key focus on expanding mobility for older people and those with disabilities in Massachusetts.

MassDOT's Community Transit Grant Program

Credit: MassDOT

The Baker-Polito Administration has announced that a total of $1.9 million will be awarded for municipalities, councils on aging, regional transit authorities and non-profit organisations under the Community Transit Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

This annual competitive grant programme awards money to be used for transit operations and mobility management projects that complement and expand the community transportation options available in communities across Massachusetts. In addition, a second set of awards for wheelchair-accessible vehicles will be made in spring 2023.

“Community Transit Grants provide critical funding to municipalities and local organisations to help people get where they need to go in an accessible, age-friendly way,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to fund these grants and see the work that gets accomplished through this programme.”

“We are pleased to provide this key funding to cities and towns, regional transit authorities, and non-profit organisations state-wide to help support their transportation needs,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These grant awards expand upon current transportation services, filling gaps where existing options are limited.”

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“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, older adults, or others who need assistance while accessing transportation.”

The Community Transit Grant Program is the Commonwealth’s annual competitive grant programme to distribute both Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities funds and State Mobility Assistance Program funds.

The FTA Section 5310 grant programme provides funding to assist with the purchase of capital equipment, mobility management projects and operational costs in order to meet the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities of any age. In addition, the State Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funds are used to assist in the provision of transportation services to seniors and persons with disabilities exclusively through the purchase of eligible vehicles. 

This funding is for the FY23 cycle, for operating and mobility management applications submitted in spring 2022. In total,  MassDOT plans to distribute $1,905,197.10 across 30 mobility management and operating projects across Massachusetts.