MassDOT recently announced $3.5 million in grant awards for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the Commonwealth to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers.

The RTA funding recipients have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable, and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies. Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones.

“This grant program helps support Regional Transit Authorities to launch projects to enhance their existing services and implement best practices,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This funding will also help RTAs develop innovative plans to provide more reliable service to riders across the Commonwealth.”

These awards mark the second round of grants provided by the Baker-Polito Administration for the RTAs to develop innovative services.  Previously, $5.1 million in RTA grant awards were provided, including $4 million in operating funding allocated in the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget signed by Governor Baker, as well as an additional $1.1 million in capital funding from MassDOT.

For the grants announced, all project proposals were selected on a competitive basis and grant recipients will now be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MassDOT to address the project goals.

See a full list of the awards on the MassDOT blog post here.