Press Release: 9/16/2026

Governor Healey Awards $4.4 Million to Expand Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Connections Across Massachusetts

For immediate release:



9/15/2026



 



BOSTON — Governor Healey today announced four awards totaling $4.4 million through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program. The funding will help Regional Transit Authorities and municipalities in expand flexible transportation options that connect residents to jobs, schools, health care, public transit and other essential services across Massachusetts. 



The grants will support microtransit and on-demand shared-ride services that help fill gaps in traditional public transportation, particularly in communities where fixed-route service may not reach every neighborhood or destination. Funding will support expanded service in communities across the state, including connections between transit hubs, colleges, health care facilities and employment centers. 



“Transportation is about making sure people can get where they need to go – to work, school, the doctor or home to their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help communities close gaps in their transit systems and give people more reliable, affordable ways to get around. We’re proud to work with cities, towns and Regional Transit Authorities to make transportation work better for people across Massachusetts.” 



“Every community has different transportation needs, and local leaders know where the gaps are,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments give cities, towns and Regional Transit Authorities the flexibility to build services that work for their residents, whether that means connecting someone to a train station, a job, a college campus or a medical appointment. That’s how we make it easier for people to live, work and get around in communities across Massachusetts.” 



"Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll understand that a strong multimodal transportation system is about making sure residents, visitors, and employees can get where they need to go, including that last critical mile. Through our second round of Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grants, MassDOT is continuing to empower our municipalities and RTAs to implement innovative transportation solutions,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Thanks to the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, this funding will continue to bring safe, reliable and affordable microtransit and last mile connections to communities across the Commonwealth. We look forward to working with these grant recipients to help improve connections to transit, economic opportunities, and other essential services for their residents.”  



“MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division is pleased to provide $4.4 million in additional support for microtransit solutions across the state,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “These programs help municipalities and Regional Transit Authorities bridge gaps in the transit network and provide valuable connections for residents and commuters.” 



This is the second round of awards through the Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program. The funding is made possible by $4.4 million in Fair Share funding included in the Fiscal Year 2026 supplemental budget. 



The following communities and organizations will receive funding in 2026:  




  • City of Salem received $1,000,000 to continue funding the Salem Skipper microtransit service serving Salem.  

  • City of Woburn received $1,000,000 in funding to pilot a new regional microtransit service in partnership with Burlington, Wakefield, and Reading. 

  • Fourteen Regional Transit Authorities of Massachusetts received $2,222,237 through a joint application to support and expand microtransit services across select communities.  

  • Montachusett Regional Transit Authority received $177,763 to pilot a microtransit service connecting community college campuses with healthcare and employment centers.  



For more information on the Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program and the full list of grant recipients, please visit the program website.  



Statements of Support 



Mayor Dominick Pangallo, City of Salem 



“On behalf of the City of Salem, we’re enormously grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration and MassDOT for this funding award to help extend the Salem Skipper program. With these funds, the City will be able to provide this on-demand public ride share service for additional months, as we continue to prepare our proposal for a sustainable funding model that will allow it to remain in place permanently. The Skipper service was used by tens of thousands of Salem residents for critical last mile connections to jobs, school, grocery stores, and medical appointments. This new funding will allow us to keep the shuttle running and provide those connections for some additional time.” 



Mayor Michael Concannon, City of Woburn 



“The Link provides an important connection for residents and employees that is accessible to the entire community. Residents, employers and service providers are already seeing its benefits. We are grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for this second round of funding, which will allow us to continue providing this important service.”  



Jim Nee, MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Administrator  



“The Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) of Massachusetts are excited to be able to continue working to develop, launch, and operate MicroTransit throughout the Commonwealth. While each RTA is slightly different, and our communities have different needs, this award will allow us to expand transportation access to those in need of it most. We look forward to working with MassDOT to deliver fast and reliable connections to the places Massachusetts residents need to go.” 



###