Press Release: 4/30/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $15.6 Million for Fully Accessible Transit Vans for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

 



Grants will enable 27 organizations to purchase a total of 131 vehicles



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



4/29/2026



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 today announced a total of over $15.6 million through MassDOT’s FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) for municipalities, Councils on Aging, Regional Transit Authorities, and nonprofit organizations towards fully accessible vans and minivans to enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities as part of a celebration held at the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission at 464 Abbot Avenue in Leominster. These grants, which total $15,661,986, will enable 27 organizations to purchase a total of 131 vehicles. The full list of recipients can be found here. 



MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division operates the Community Transit Grant Program annually. In addition to the vehicle cycle, organizations can also apply for operating and mobility management projects. The FY26 CTGP operating and mobility management awards were announced on March 20. The event honored recipients from both funding programs. 



“I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature for their leadership and support of the Community Transit Grant Program. This will enable residents to get where they need to go using public transportation, whether that’s a medical appointment, grocery store, or work. The funding gives people the freedom to move about, helping people stay connected and engaged in their communities. Investments in transportation are an investment in the quality of life for the public, as we ensure a well-balanced, integrated transportation network.   These strong partnerships between agencies, communities, and local organizations expand access and improve mobility for residents who rely on our transportation system the most,” shared Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.



“This funding will help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are provided with safe, accessible transportation options that fit their needs and take them to their destinations in comfort,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “We will continue to support our partners at RTAs, municipalities, Councils on Aging, and nonprofits to provide reliable and accessible transit for residents across Massachusetts.”



Applicants can request a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles varying in size to accommodate 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.



“Transportation access is consistently cited as one of the biggest challenges facing the disability community. It affects people’s ability to receive needed services, access healthcare, and participate in the workforce. The Community Transit grant from the Department of Transportation will allow us to purchase a fully accessible vehicle and help ensure our consumers can be fully included in their community.” said Matt Pellegrino, Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Independent Living Program.



“We are incredibly grateful to MassDOT for this investment in Winchendon. This award is truly transformational for our community, ensuring that seniors and residents with disabilities can reliably access medical care, food, and the social connections that support their well-being. As demand for our Community Connector program continues to grow, this vehicle allows us to expand access in a sustainable way and better serve riders who have too often been left waiting or turned away. No one should have to miss a medical appointment, access to nutrition and social services,  or even a Town Meeting,  because they don’t have access to an accessible ride. This vehicle ensures that everyone, regardless of ability and age, can have greater independence, dignity, and fully participate in community life.” said Miranda Jennings, Director of the Winchendon Senior Center.



MassDOT focused awards on replacing older and high-mileage models to maintain a state of good repair, along with awarding vans to expand fleets where need has increased. Organizations that were awarded are as follows:




  • Associates for Human Services, Wise Adult Day Health was awarded 2 vans.

  • Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded 4 vans.

  • Brockton Area Transit Authority was awarded 8 vans.

  • Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority was awarded 15 vans.

  • City of Boston was awarded 2 vans.

  • Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Agency was awarded 17 vans.

  • Lowell Regional Transit Authority was awarded 5 vans.

  • Marion Council on Aging was awarded 2 vans.

  • Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority was awarded 3 vans.

  • MetroWest Regional Transit Authority was awarded 12 vans.

  • Milton Council on Aging was awarded 1 van.

  • Montachusett Regional Transit Authority was awarded 14 vans.

  • Nantucket Regional Transit Authority was awarded 1 van.

  • Northeast Independent Living Program was awarded 1 van.

  • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority was awarded 14 vans.

  • S.C.M. COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION was awarded 2 vans.

  • South Shore Community Action Council, Inc.  was awarded 5 vans.

  • Southeastern Regional Transit Authority was awarded 4 vans.

  • The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts, Inc. was awarded 2 vans.

  • The Nemasket Group was awarded 2 vans.

  • Town of Bedford was awarded 1 van.

  • Town of Great Barrington (South County Connector) was awarded 6 vans.

  • Town of Sandisfield was awarded 1 van.

  • Town of Ware (Quaboag Connector) was awarded 1 van.

  • Town of Winchendon Council on Aging was awarded 1 van.

  • Watertown Department of Senior Services was awarded 1 van.

  • Worcester Regional Transit Authority was awarded 4 vans.



To fund the awards, MassDOT uses both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding, as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funding. According to federal regulations, 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.



For more information about the Community Transit Grant Program, visit the Community Transit Grant Program website.