Press Release  MassDOT and Salem Celebrate All-Electric Council On Aging Vehicles

SALEM — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) joined Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and other state and local officials in celebrating the delivery of a pair of new electric-powered vans for use by the Salem Council on Aging.

The vehicles were awarded to the city as part of MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP), which uses federal and state funds to expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. Salem’s vans were two of the 168 fully accessible vehicles that MassDOT awarded to municipalities, Regional Transit Authorities, and nonprofits through last year’s grant application process. 

The vehicles in Salem are all-electric Ford E-Transits, which will move forward the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s goal of electrifying public transport throughout the Commonwealth. 

“These vehicles will not only support the needs of the Salem Council on Aging in providing mobility options for seniors’ essential travel but also do so in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are excited to be supporting the City of Salem along with 42 other communities and organizations who were awarded CTGP vehicle grants.” 

“We know how vital these vehicles are to organizations in fulfilling their mission increasing accessibility, community connectivity, and equity, especially for seniors,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “The volume of applications for funding from these programs shows the high demand for enhanced transit services and we are pleased to be partnering with the City of Salem and transit providers across the state to fund these projects.” 

“On behalf of the City of Salem, we’re incredibly grateful to MassDOT and the Community Transit Grant Program for making these vehicles possible,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “Not only will they help us meet our accessibility goals and connect more Salem seniors with services throughout the community, but they will also provide us with an operational savings and help us meet our sustainability and zero emissions goals as a city.” 

“These are the first electric vehicles added to the Council on Aging fleet. As Salem becomes increasingly environmentally responsible, we are thrilled to receive the new vans that will enhance Transportation for our seniors,” said Teresa Gove Arnold, Director of the Salem Council of Aging. 

In addition to accessible vans, the Community Transit Grant Program also awards funding for initiatives to expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities, such as operating service or hiring staff to help people learn about transportation options. FY25 applications were due earlier this month (November 2024), and MassDOT is currently reviewing applications for the next round of awards. For more information on Community Transit Grants, please visit:

https://www.mass.gov/community-transit-grant-program.

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