Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant

Transit authorities, municipalities, and nonprofits are eligible to apply for funding for microtransit and last mile programs and pilots. This new program is funded with state Education and Transportation Fund (Fair Share) funds through the FY25 supplemental state budget. $10 million total is available.

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