MassDOT recently announced $5.1 million in additional funding awards for Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) across the Commonwealth to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers.

The full announcement of the RTA award winners are available here on the MassDOT Blog. Awards were 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. All project proposals were selected on a competitive basis.

This $5.1 million includes $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.

“These awards will support Regional Transit Authorities as they launch projects to enhance existing options and implement best practices,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The combination of operating and capital funding will help RTAs develop innovative plans to provide more reliable service to riders in communities across the Commonwealth.”

“By working closely with our Regional Transit Authority partners, we are helping to ensure that people throughout Massachusetts have the best options for reaching jobs and economic opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Each of these projects will help improve Regional Transit Authority services and we look forward to seeing their completion.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to award $5.1 million in additional funding to Regional Transit Authorities,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “We look forward to the award winners carrying out these projects which will provide benefits such as more frequent service on some routes, pilot programs, and improved customer experience and outreach.”

Award winners will now be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MassDOT to address the project goals.