Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant

Transit authorities, municipalities, and nonprofits were eligible to apply for funding for microtransit and last mile programs and pilots. This program was funded with state Education and Transportation Fund (Fair Share) funds, with $10 million through the FY25 supplemental state budget and an additional $5 million through the FY26 supplemental state budget.

Microtransit refers to "a technology-enabled service that uses multi-passenger vehicles to provide on-demand services with dynamically generated routing. Microtransit services are traditionally provided in designated service areas. Service models include first mile/last mile connections to fixed route services; hub to hub zone-based services; the commingling of ADA complementary paratransit services with general transit service; and point-to-point service within a specific zone or geography," according to the Federal Transit Administration.

Last mile refers to solutions that bridge the gap between a rider's home and transit, or their destination (such as their workplace) and transit.

The budget language that created this new grant program directs MassDOT to pay particular attention to applications that:

• expand mobility options for rural communities
• extend service to veterans, working families, older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals
• provide mobility choices to people with mobility needs
• extend equitable and affordable transportation mobility improvements in the commonwealth
• serve cities and towns that are taking meaningful steps to produce new housing and have adopted best practices to promote sustainable housing development

Congratulations to the organizations receiving Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grants!

• In the first round of the grant, we were pleased to announce nine grants. Read the press release announcing the awards.
• In the second round of the grant, some original applicants who were partially funded received additional funding to help sustain operations. Read the press release announcing the awards.