Community Transportation News

January 2026

If you have comments or questions about community transportation in Massachusetts, please reach out to us anytime at massmobility@dot.state.ma.us. Please do not reply to this newsletter, as your email will bounce.

Happy New Year!

We are looking forward to working with colleagues across sectors to help improve transportation access for older adults, people with disabilities and people with low income this year. We continue to work with the Access and Mobility Working Group on the creation of a system of Regional Mobility Managers for MA. Our December meeting with this group focused on the job functions of a Regional Mobility Manager and looked at community engagement, transportation information sharing and coordination. We are looking forward to continuing this work with the goal of a final implementation plan in fall of 2026. In the meantime, I will be providing occasional updates for that work in this newsletter and continuing to highlight community transportation projects across the state. 

Stay tuned and please stay in touch,
Maria Foster, Statewide Mobility Lead

In this issue

• Transit Connectivity Grants
• MBTA Finegold Settlement Update
• MassDOT seeks Conference Abstracts
• Funding Opportunities
• Webinars
• Community College Transportation Toolkit

Transit Connectivity Grants Announced

Transit Connectivity Grants Announced
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $10 million in funding to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support 16 projects that increase connections between towns, including to neighboring states. Grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections.

MBTA Finegold Settlement Update

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), disability advocates, and original plaintiffs of a landmark accessibility lawsuit came together on December 10, 2025 to celebrate a historic milestone in the ongoing effort to make public transit accessible to all. With a significant number of obligations in the original case now fulfilled and the end of court appointed oversight, the MBTA has worked with the original named plaintiffs, the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL), and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) to enter into the Next Generation Accessibility Agreement. This agreement shifts oversight responsibility from a court-appointed monitor to the Riders’ Transportation Access Group (RTAG). RTAG is the MBTA’s citizen-led advisory committee on accessibility matters, and the organizations will work together to make more progress across the entire MBTA network.

MassDOT seeks Conference Abstracts

The annual MassDOT Transportation Innovation Conference provides a forum for innovative transportation systems, management ideas, and initiatives. Each year, the conference provides an important opportunity for transportation practitioners to share knowledge, sponsor peer-to-peer learning, and collaborate on issues of mutual interest. The 2026 Presentation Abstract Submission deadline is January 15, 2026.

Funding Opportunities

LifePath seeks proposals for Age and Dementia Friendly Funding
LifePath, the Aging Service Access Point for the Franklin County and North Quabbin region, is currently seeking proposals for a limited number of projects that support the region’s vision of Age & Dementia Friendly communities, where older adults and residents of all ages can enjoy greater safety, connectivity, and belonging. With support from Point32 Health Foundation, LifePath ensures that Franklin County and North Quabbin are a place where everyone can age well. Awards are short-term, one-time grants that improve the capacity or enhance the built environment. The Age & Dementia Friendly framework divides areas of impact across 8 key domains including transportation. Applications are due February 1.

AARP: Livable Communities Challenge Grants
Applications for the AARP Community Challenge Grants will open in January. These grants help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of residents of all ages. A broad range of projects (including transportation focused initiatives) are included. To get announcements about the grant opening subscribe to the AARP Livable Communities Newsletter. 

The League of American Bicyclists: Community Spark Grants
The League’s Bicycle Friendly America mini grant program awards organizations up to $2000 for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. With a specific equity and accessibility criteria, the awards help support increasing mobility options for all and in particular people with disabilities.  Applications are due on January 27, 2026.

Webinars

Navigating Accessible Vehicle Purchases
On January 14, 11-12:30pm, the National Disability Institute will host a webinar to answer questions around the process of purchasing an accessible vehicle for individuals who need one. Meet organizations who help to reduce purchase expenses and ensure that vehicle features provide safety and accessibility. Register for the webinar. 

WalkMassachusetts Network Webinar Recording
In December, WalkMassachusetts hosted Alessandra Seiter from Somerville’s Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) and Kate White from the City’s Mobility Division who shared how they’re advancing safer, more equitable walking and transit through community-led walk audits. The conversation highlighted the Somerville’s Union Square Plaza & Streetscapes project and how walk audits fit into a broader community engagement strategy. View the recording or view the slides they shared.

Community College Transportation Toolkit

Trellis Strategies Transportation Toolkit for Community College Leaders
This toolkit from Trellis Strategies speaks directly to Community College leaders on better understanding transportation access to campus for students and prospective students. It includes research findings on how students currently get to community colleges and a short Self-Assessment Guide to identify top priorities for transportation access on campus.

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