MassDOT’s Microtransit and Last Mile, Community Transit Grant (CTG): Operating and Mobility Management open tomorrow (September 5th)!
New! Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program: opens September 5 due November 7
Transit authorities, municipalities, nonprofits, and Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) are eligible to apply for funding for microtransit and last mile programs and pilots. This new program is funded with state Education and Transportation Fund (Fair Share) funds through the FY25 supplemental state budget. $10 million total is available.
Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Operating and Mobility Management Cycle: opens September 5 due November 7
The FY26 Community Transit Grant Program Operating and Mobility Management Cycle provides funding to organizations for projects to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. This grant program is funded with state Education and Transportation Funding; $4 million is available through the FY26 state budget. For qualifying projects that serve older adults and people with disabilities and have access to matching funds, MassDOT can also use Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funds.
Community Transit Grant Program Vehicle Cycle: opens September 25 due November 21
Transit authorities, municipalities (including Councils on Aging), and nonprofits are eligible to apply for fully accessible vans to enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. These vans must be used to meet the specific needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Vehicles used in fixed-route service are not eligible for this funding stream.
Register for virtual pre-application trainings in September. Training is mandatory for new applicants and recommended for all.
Training Resources
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center has launched a new FTA Section 5310 Resource Hub—which hosts tools, guidance and inspiration for those interested in implementing a project with Section 5310 funding. This comprehensive web page brings together key materials from NADTC, FTA, CCAM and National RTAP. The site includes resources for community engagement, and the types of projects eligible for Section 5310 funding. Visit the website here.
Coordinated Council on Access and Mobility-Technical Assistance Center has announced the new e-Learning course, “Thinking Strategically About Transit Technology.” This 8-part training series covers the process of deciding on the right technology to support your transit program through identifying potential vendors and procuring the technology.
New MassDOT report
MassDOT's Office of Transportation Planning (OTP) recently published the report The Cost of Getting Around: The Transportation Burdens of Lower-Income Residents in Western Massachusetts. This study was funded by MassDOT, led by MassINC Polling Group and Way Finders, a nonprofit community development corporation in Springfield. The study was conducted to deeply examine the transportation challenges of lower income populations in Hamden and Hampshire County generally, and in particular those of Way Finders clients who tend to be younger, more racially diverse, and have much lower household income than the general regional population. Major findings from the study include potential lessons for mobility managers in ways to help support those residents that have the most difficulty accessing transportation services and resources.
- Driving is still the primary mode for both the regional group surveyed and Way Finders clients, but Way Finders clients are more dependent on driving alternatives as they are more likely to be living in single-car or no-car households.
- Persuading non-riders to try transit is a significant challenge. According to the study, “A quarter of nonriders in both surveys [regional and WayFinders] offer no changes that would make them likely to ride [public transit]. These responses highlight the steep challenge of converting non-riders to riders.”
- Transportation navigation and training was cited as a potential solution to some of the challenges. Many participants highlighted the use of classes to support learning in how to use transit and other alternatives. Regional Transit Authorities across Massachusetts (including PVTA in this region) offer travel training as a solution to help people with disabilities and older adults navigate and ride fixed route transit.
- Another suggestion was supporting driving and car ownership for residents through resources for car repair and ownership.
- Finally, there were many suggestions related to subsidizing transportation services in a variety of ways to help alleviate the cost burden of transportation.
The study illuminated some of the ways that agencies can help support the transportation needs of those who lack access to a personal vehicle some or all of the time - particularly those with the lowest income. One role mobility managers can play is to help support those agencies and individuals by gathering and providing clear information and resources related to transportation solutions and alternatives to driving.
News: Why Some Districts Are Shifting Teens From School Buses to Public Transit
This EdWeek article covers why more communities nationwide are shifting (older) students from school bus transportation to public transit to save on costs. The article discusses safety questions with such a transition, but also the potential benefits of learning to navigate a public transit system for students. Highlighted is how the city of Cincinnati used various outreach methods including social media, local news, and school-based orientations to educate both students and their families on how to use the public transit system. Parents were invited to ride for free the first week of school. These are broader lessons in how community transportation providers can continue to support individuals and families as they navigate sometimes unfamiliar transit systems. Via Streetsblog
Week without Driving: September 29th-October 5th
The Week without Driving is a nationwide challenge created by Disability Rights Washington with America Walks so those who have the option to drive can "learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face and work with nondrivers to create more accessible communities for all." Information on the website includes tools for engagement, toolkits, and communication templates for those organizations and communities looking to host A Week Without Driving.
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