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Transit grants - MassDOT Rail & Transit
The Details
What you need
Through this annual grant cycle, Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) may apply for funding for projects to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, facilitate mode shift, and/or expand mobility. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to:
- New or expanded shuttle, bus, or transit service
- Micromobility Services
- Service planning
- New vehicle purchase
- Vehicle replacement
- Commuter services and marketing activities such as emergency ride home, marketing of transportation alternatives, etc.
What is a TMA?
A Transportation Management Association (TMA) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that focuses on improving transportation options and infrastructure within a specific region or community. TMAs are typically formed through collaboration between local businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders to address the unique transportation needs of their respective regions. TMAs implement programs and initiatives aimed at promoting alternative transportation methods like carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, and public transit usage. They also provide transportation-related services, including shuttle programs, carpool matching services, and commuter incentives, all geared towards reducing single-occupant driving. For more information about TMAs in Massachusetts, please visit MassCommute.
FY26 Grants
The FY26 TMA Grant application cycle opened on Monday, February 10. Applications were due Thursday, April 10.
FY25 Grants
- Press release announcing the FY25 grantees - congratulations to the TMAs who received awards!
- Award Announcements of FY25 grantees
How to apply
The FY26 application is now closed. Applications were due April 10, 2025.
Next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my TMA apply for more than 1 year of funding?
Apply only for funding to be spent between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. All funds awarded must be expended by June 30, 2026. You may apply for additional funding in the FY27 round.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of funding I can apply for?
No, you may apply for any amount of funding. The total available for all FY26 awards is $3 million.
Can 2 or more TMAs submit a joint application?
Yes, the TMA that will take the lead on contracting and invoicing should be the lead applicant. In the narrative, you can list the partnering TMAs and how they will participate.
Is funding provided through reimbursement or upfront?
If your application is awarded, funds will be provided through reimbursement on a monthly or quarterly basis. No funds are available upfront. You will generally receiving reimbursement 30 days after submitting your invoice.
If my TMA is applying for 2 or more projects, should I submit them together as one application or separately?
You can do either. If they are related, consider submitting as one; if they are distinct, it will likely be easier to submit two (or more) separate applications.
Are transit passes, Blue Bikes memberships, or gas cards eligible for reimbursement?
No, no incentives or giveaways are eligible, and no transit passes or fares are eligible. Costs of administering a transit pass or commuter incentive program (such as staffing) are eligible.
Funds disbursed to employees as part of a parking cash-out program are not eligible, although funds to administer a parking cash-out program are eligible.
Are overhead expenses eligible?
Yes, they are eligible in the FY26 cycle.
If MassDOT awards less than $3 million this year, will that funding be available for future years?
No, the $3 million allocated to this year must be awarded this year.
My question is not listed here. What should I do?
Please reach out to us! You can reach us at MassDOTtransitgrants@dot.state.ma.us or (857) 368-8584.
More info
The TMA grant is a new annual grant program that launched in the FY25 state fiscal year. The FY26 grant round will be the second cycle.