Press Release: 5/15/2025
$15 Million Awarded through the Community Transit Grant Program
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $14.8 Million for Fully Accessible Transit Vans to Enhance Mobility for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/14/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT
Phone
Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500
Online
Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today a total of over $14.8 million through MassDOT’s Fiscal Year 2025 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) for municipalities, Councils on Aging, Regional Transit Authorities, and nonprofit organizations. The funding will go toward fully accessible vans and mini-vans to enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. These grants will enable 30 organizations to purchase a total of 115 vehicles.
“Our administration is proud to partner with municipalities, non-profits, and local transportation providers to increase travel options for seniors and people with disabilities in every corner of the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have by making it easier for people to get to work, school, doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, and more.”
“Governor Healey and I have been grateful to community members who have continued to increase transportation options with innovative ideas and initiatives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It is vital that organizations continue to advocate and deliver on public transportation services, and we are pleased to support the purchase of vehicles with this grant program as it will mean thousands of more trips each year for residents of our state who need to get to essential destinations.”
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is deeply committed to expanding transportation options that support our age-friendly, accessible, and climate-resilient goals,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This funding sends a clear and powerful message to older adults and people with disabilities: we see you, we hear you, and we are investing in your ability to travel safely, comfortably, and with dignity. We are proud to partner with transit authorities, municipalities, Councils on Aging, and nonprofits who work tirelessly each day to ensure mobility and access for the people they serve.”
“We are pleased to provide this financial support to transit authorities and municipalities knowing it will help them better serve residents and expand on their transportation needs,” saidMassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “Specifically, these grants will help senior citizens and individuals with disabilities make trips that are important to maintain and improve their quality of life.”
This year’s applications for CTGP funding were competitive, with 54 organizations requesting a total of 250 vehicles. Winning awardees were selected with a focus on organizations replacing older and high-mileage vehicles to maintain a state of good repair, along with compelling stories from applicants to expand fleets where need has increased.
“Opening our new facility in Easton last year allowed us to welcome 51 additional day program participants,” said The Arc of Greater Brockton Executive Director, Dean Rizzo. “This new 14-passenger vehicle—generously provided by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and equipped to accommodate multiple wheelchairs—will be key to help ensure that our participants access the inclusive outings and community experiences that define our mission more frequently.”
“The WRTA is grateful to MassDOT for providing the new demand response vans to help support our communities,” said Nick Burnham, Director of Transit Operations and Planning at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). “These vehicles are a vital resource for individuals with mobility challenges and will go a long way in enhancing access, independence, and overall quality of life for our riders. MassDOT’s continued support and investment in replacement vehicles ensures that the WRTA can continue to provide equitable transportation solutions to our riders and keep the overall vehicle fleet in a state of good repair.”
“The City of Quincy Council on Aging is incredibly grateful to be awarded accessible vehicles from the MassDOT Community Transit Grant Program, which will significantly enhance our ability to serve the seniors and residents of Quincy,” said Michelle Hanly, Quincy Council on Aging Director. “Reliable transportation is key to maintaining independence, supporting health, and staying connected to the community. These new vehicles will help us promote mobility equity by ensuring that all our residents, regardless of age, income, or ability, can access essential services like medical appointments, grocery stores, and social programs. We’re thankful to Governor Healy, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and the MassDOT team for their continued support and commitment to making Quincy a more inclusive and accessible city for all.”
MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division manages the Community Transit Grant Program annually. In addition to the vehicle cycle, organizations can also apply for operating and mobility management projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 CTGP operating and mobility management awards are funded with both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding, as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funding. Applicants can request a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair-accessible.
Vehicles available through this grant program include a 6-passenger minivan with ramp, 6-passenger electric minivan with lift, 8-passenger cutaway with lift, 12-passenger cutaway with lift, 14-passenger cutaway with lift, 16-passenger cutaway with lift, and 14-passenger low-floor minibus with ramp.
According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 85% of the cost of each vehicle. Massachusetts’ Councils on Aging, nonprofits, and municipalities must pay a 15% match. The state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities are eligible for fully-funded vehicles with state MAP funds providing a 15% match.
List of Awards
| Organization name | Number of Vehicles Awarded |
|---|---|
| Berkshire Regional Transit Authority | 2 |
| Braintree Department of Elder Affairs | 1 |
| Brockton Area Transit Authority | 6 |
| Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority | 15 |
| City of Lynn | 1 |
| City of Quincy Council on Aging | 4 |
| Fairhaven Council on Aging | 1 |
| Franklin Regional Transit Authority | 3 |
| Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority | 9 |
| Lowell Regional Transit Authority | 6 |
| Montachusett Regional Transit Authority | 11 |
| Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority | 4 |
| Melrose Council on Aging | 1 |
| Merrimack Valley Transit | 9 |
| MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) | 5 |
| Nantucket Regional Transit Authority | 2 |
| Pioneer Valley Transit Authority | 11 |
| Quaboag Connector (Town of Ware) | 2 |
| SCM Transportation | 1 |
| South County Connector (Town of Great Barrington) | 1 |
| South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. | 1 |
| Southeastern Regional Transit Authority | 5 |
| The Arc of Greater Brockton | 1 |
| Town of Blackstone, Council on Aging | 1 |
| Town of Burlington Council on Aging | 1 |
| Town of Holbrook | 1 |
| Wenham Council on Aging | 1 |
| West Springfield Council on Aging | 1 |
| Westport Council On Aging | 1 |
| Worcester Regional Transit Authority | 7 |
| Organization name | Number of Vehicles Awarded |
|---|
For more information about the Community Transit Grant Program, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/community-transit-grant-program