Expanding Microtransit Across Massachusetts

Regional transit authorities in Massachusetts will receive a boost from grants to support microtransit, on-demand shared-ride services, and last-mile connections. Nine awards totaling $10 million will go to regional transit authorities, municipalities, and a regional planning agency. The funds were awarded through MassDOT’s Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program.

Recipients will use funding to expand rural access and improve mobility for people who lack transit options. As explained by MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger, “Microtransit and last-mile connections help transit users bridge the gap between existing service and their destination.” For example, one award will support the testing of a microtransit service to connect community college campuses with healthcare and employment centers.

Six of the awards support microtransit services while three will fund bikeshare initiatives that strengthen first- and last-mile connections to transit. “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, who also serves on APTA’s Board of Directors.

This round of funding through the new grant program was highly competitive. Additional applications will be funded through the Community Transit Grant Program.