The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $10 million in funding to nine Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) for 10 projects that increase connections between transit routes and service areas. The grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections.
According to the Administration’s announcement, new pilots funded include a collaboration coming in 2025 between the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) to create two new north-south routes and pilot microtransit in Southampton and Southwick, expanding the areas served by transit and connections riders can make – and facilitating connections between the PVTA and FRTA service areas. As another example, the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) is receiving funds to offer service between Fitchburg, Devens, and Emerson Hospital, to assist patients in accessing care after local hospital closures starting in the new year.
New service typically takes at least two years to establish ridership patterns. Through the FY25 Transit Connectivity grants, we are pleased to be able to extend funding for two promising pilots initially funded through the FY24 Regional Transit Innovation Grant. Each pilot is a partnership between three Regional Transit Authorities. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is partnering with PVTA and FRTA on commuter service connecting Western Mass, which will launch in 2025 once MassDOT completes repairs on the intercity coaches the RTAs will use for this service. The Brockton Area Transit Authority, Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, and Southeastern Regional Transit Authority are partnering on service to connect Brockton, Taunton, and Fall River, scheduled to launch in early 2025.
These grants will also allow RTAs to improve their existing connections. Riders have a better experience when connections are faster. For example, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MeVa) and Lowell Regional Transit Authority are receiving a grant to improve the frequency of the Lawrence-Lowell route connecting their two service areas, and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority is receiving funds to provide express service between Fall River and New Bedford.
More information on the Transit Connectivity Grant Program is available here.