GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — MassDOT awarded the town $600,000 to continue their microtransit program serving Southern Berkshire County. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nine awards totaling $10 million through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Microtransit and Last-Mile Transit Grant Program. 

 

The funding will support Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities, and a Regional Planning Agency in expanding flexible, technology-enabled transit options that improve access to jobs, housing, education and essential services across Massachusetts.  

 

"Through MassDOT's new Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program, MassDOT is empowering municipalities, RTAs and Regional Planning Agencies to deliver innovative transportation solutions that focus on connectivity between transit hubs and destinations. These programs will connect riders to the jobs, housing, education and destinations they depend on, while improving quality of life across the Commonwealth," said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil?Eng. "Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership in supporting these investments and to the Legislature for their continued commitment to expanding transportation options for all Massachusetts residents."

 

The grants will support projects that use microtransit, on-demand shared-ride services, and last-mile connections that link riders to transit hubs and key destinations. Award recipients will use the funding to expand rural access, improve mobility for people who lack transit options, and support communities advancing sustainable housing and transportation planning. Three awards will fund regional bikeshare initiatives that strengthen first and last mile connections, while six awards support microtransit services.  

 

This is a new grant program made possible by $10 million in Fair Share funding through the FY25 Supplemental budget. This round was competitive, and additional applications will be funded through the Community Transit Grant Program operating and mobility management funding, with award announcements forthcoming.