Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $3 Million in TMA Grants

BOSTON — While celebrating Climate Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today also celebrated nearly $3 million in funding for 12 Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), to support 18 projects that encourage alternative transportation options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand mobility. Awards include funding to operate and publicize shuttles, promote biking, facilitate carpools, and more.

This is the first round of awards through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) TMA Grant Program, which launched this year. A 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. 

“Massachusetts residents depend on transportation to get them where they need to go safely and on time. This program expands the number of options available to people so that they can choose the mode that is best for them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “During Climate Week and every week, our administration is proud to be making progress in our efforts to lower emissions, meet our climate goals and improve transportation infrastructure across the state.” 

“By promoting greener commutes, Transportation Management Associations spur economic activity while also protecting our environment,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We congratulate the recipients for their hard work on these projects, which will benefit commuters and businesses across the state while helping us meet our ambitious climate goals.”     

“The projects funded by our new TMA Program will help workers access jobs and support employers who want to recruit and retain talented employees – while moving us closer to a greener and cleaner future,” said Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This is just another example of how vital a robust transportation network is for economic development and opportunity.” 

“Investing in Transportation Management Associations is crucial for fostering a sustainable transportation ecosystem,” said CEO and General Manager of the MBTA Phillip Eng. “As we continue to enhance our public transportation network, making it more accessible and efficient, we will provide meaningful alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips.  At the MBTA, we are committed to working with all of our transportation partners to further reduce emissions and expanding mobility for all Massachusetts residents, and these grants are a significant step toward a greener future.” 

Statements of support 

Senator Brendan Crighton, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation: “The TMAs that have received these grants are laying the important groundwork for more climate-friendly transportation options that prioritize community needs throughout the Commonwealth. Their projects will fuel long-term economic opportunity by strengthening transportation infrastructure while still focusing on the integrity of our environment.” 

Representative William Straus, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation: “I am pleased to see this funding awarded to important projects enhancing connectivity. Our Commonwealth’s transportation system is a key player in our economic competitiveness and sustainability goals, and these projects will better address the mobility needs of our residents.” 

A Better City Transportation Demand Management Director Scott Mullen: “Fifty-seven percent of trips in the Commonwealth are three miles or less, and most of those are taken in cars. By offering people a comfortable and safe ‘guided ride’ that utilizes the robust and growing network of separated bicycle infrastructure in Greater Boston, we can help people over the initial barrier to using a bike more for short trips. We are grateful for MassDOT’s support of this innovative approach to modeshift.” 

Seaport TMA Executive Director Patrick Sullivan: “Funding from the TMA Grant Program will allow TMAs in Massachusetts to launch innovative new programs and services that will help connect commuters with access to jobs and opportunities in communities throughout the Commonwealth. We are incredibly grateful to the Healey/Driscoll Administration and MassDOT Secretary Tibbits-Nutt for launching this grant program and for their commitment to supporting the efforts of TMAs to deploy sustainable transportation programs.” 

Charles River TMA Executive Director Jim Gascoigne: “Charles River TMA appreciates the Healey Administration's short-term investment in last mile circulation to and from transit. It coalesces long-term private funding for convenient and sustainable connectivity, building on the 20-plus-year success of EZRide and the recent Green Line extension.” 

A list of the winning projects is available below, and more information on the TMA Grant Program is available here.  

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