Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $10 Million to Expand Regional Transit Service Across Massachusetts and New England

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $10 million in funding to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support 16 projects that increase connections between towns, including to neighboring states. Grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections.  

“Regional Transit Authorities play a crucial role in reducing congestion and helping residents get to work, school, doctor’s appointments or anywhere else they need to go,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s great to see RTAs across the state and across New England working together to expand service and make it easier for people to get around. We’re proud to support their efforts as part of our continued work to improve transportation in all communities.” 

“These grants will give the Regional Transit Authorities the opportunity to test new ideas, strengthen existing service connections, and better collaborate across municipal and state boundaries,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting both urban and rural projects, we are ensuring that residents in every part of Massachusetts have access to reliable, affordable, and convenient transit options. We’re excited to see these projects take shape and deliver real benefits for riders across the state.” 

Notable new pilots include three grants for transit service that crosses state borders, facilitating access for Massachusetts residents to key destinations in neighboring cities and towns in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority will pilot year-round service of its seasonal route to Nashua; the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority will provide connections to Salem, New Hampshire; and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority will partner with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to increase frequency on the route connecting Fall River to Providence and Newport.  

“I'm so proud to be part of the Healey-Driscoll administration as we strive to deliver a robust transportation network that serves the entire Commonwealth. This administration continues to lead the way with essential investment in our regional transit authorities,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “Our Regional Transit Authorities are leading the way by leveraging this support with a focus on improving and expanding service to better serve the public, making our transportation network more reliable and accessible for all users. This funding helps to create even more options for residents who travel across the state as RTAs strengthen connectivity for all building upon existing programs and pilot projects.” 

“These grants will help ensure that public transit is a reliable option no matter where you live or where you’re headed. By supporting enhanced collaboration among Regional Transit Authorities, we are expanding local service and creating better links to neighboring transportation systems. It is exciting to see these pilots and other projects increase transportation options for the public,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. 

"Providing regional transit authorities with the funding to strengthen connections is transformational for the communities and residents they serve," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "These meaningful improvements will help people get to school, work, and their local downtowns — which is why the Senate made these investments a priority, and why I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for deploying them so quickly statewide." 

“Ensuring that the Commonwealth is equipped with a safe and reliable public transportation system is critical for the prosperity of our residents and communities, and will be vital in our future efforts to grow the economy. That’s why the House has supported record investments in public transit, including for regional transit authorities, which connect communities across the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for working to ensure that this funding is responsibly allocated, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for working to make these investments a reality.” 

“Across the Commonwealth, RTAs are the backbone of our regional transportation system, and for our more rural communities RTAs are the only regular means of accessible transit,” said State Representative James Arciero, Transportation Committee Chair. “I am pleased to see this funding support worthwhile pilots and projects, including microtransit and working with partners across state lines, to enhance regional transportation equity.”   

“Our RTAs provide essential services to get residents to medical appointments, grocery stores, and to rail stations to connect to other transit; this funding will give them the flexibility to expand their services and continue to get people where they need to go,” said State Senator Brendan Crighton, Transportation Committee Chair. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting this important transportation infrastructure.” 

Even within Massachusetts, crossing service area boundaries can be difficult. Some awards reflect collaborations among multiple RTAs to facilitate these trips. For example, the Franklin Regional Transit Authority and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority collaborated on a project to expand mobility in the FRTA towns of Southampton and Southwick, offering connecting service to the PVTA communities of Westfield, Easthampton, and Northampton.  

For more information, visit www.mass.gov/how-to/transit-connectivity-grant. 

Statements from RTAs: 

Jim Nee, Administrator, MetroWest Regional Transit Authority: 

“The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority is grateful for MassDOT’s continued partnership and support of regional mobility. This award allows us to strengthen and expand the 495 Connector, which links MWRTA’s local bus network with the Fitchburg, Framingham/Worcester, and Franklin Commuter Rail lines. In FY26, we are especially excited to enhance service in Marlborough, improving First and Last Mile access for thousands of workers and residents. We also appreciate the Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s collaboration in extending the MicroTransit service to Berlin through our successful Hudson Catch Connect program. Bringing reliable service to communities without traditional transit is a direct result of strong coordination between RTAs, MassDOT, and the state legislature. Together, we are delivering cost effective, inclusive transportation options that connect more people to jobs, education, and opportunity across the Commonwealth.”  

Noah Berger, Administrator, Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa): 

“With this grant, MeVa will add two new bus routes requested by our passengers, facilitating key crosstown and cross border connections, enhancing the reach, usability, and responsiveness of our service. The #25 is a Methuen Crosstown service that will directly connect riders to key medical, municipal, educational, and senior housing locations, shaving as much as 45 minutes off of trip times. The #28 will connect Lawrence and Methuen with health care and jobs in Salem NH. Big thanks to Governor Healey for this transformative investment in MeVa’s riders!” 

Bruno Fisher, Administrator, Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART): 

“MART and our partnering rural communities are thrilled to be receiving funds through the MassDOT Connectivity grant program and the Healey-Driscoll administration. These grants are incredibly important to MART and our rural communities to provide access to transportation for residents who have no other public transit options. We will continue to work with our local communities, MassDOT and the Healey-Driscoll administration to bring public transportation to the rural residents of the north central region of Massachusetts.”  

###