MassDOT Announces Microtransit/Last Mile Grant Awards
MassDOT has announced the Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Awards. This was a highly competitive application cycle, with over four times as much request as funds available. Nine projects are receiving funding, including three regional bikeshare initiatives that provide last-mile connections to transit, as well as six microtransit initiatives. Awards include grants to help sustain existing options – such as the Salem Skipper and South County Connector – as well as pilot new services. Learn more about the grant program and the awarded projects on our website.
This was a new grant program, funded through the FY25 supplemental state budget using Education and Transportation Fund (Fair Share) funding. Eligible projects included technology-enabled, shared-ride, on-demand microtransit projects, as well as any transportation solution bridging first and last mile gaps between transit and the desired destination. Among all microtransit and last mile proposals, MassDOT emphasized those projects that expanded mobility options for rural communities; extended service to veterans, working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals; provided mobility choices to people with mobility needs; extended equitable and affordable transportation mobility improvements in the Commonwealth; and/or supported communities that have taken proactive steps to addressing housing needs.
Training/Webinars
The National Transit Institute is offering Advancing Mobility Management, a course for mobility management professionals ready to move beyond foundational concepts and advance mobility management within their organizations and communities. Participants will examine the role of mobility management in meeting transportation needs, expanding equitable access, and supporting individual and community goals. The course will take place March 23-24th in person at the Transportation Association of Maryland.
The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is hosting two upcoming webinars. On April 1, 2-3pm, the Rural Transit Manager Peer Roundtable: Rural Mobility Hubs, will introduce the Rural Mobility Hub Guide as a resource to support the planning, coordination, and development of mobility hubs tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.
On April 15th, 12-1PM, RTAP will host a Mobility Management Roundtable Series focused on strategies for writing successful transportation-related grants. Participants will discuss practical approaches to identifying funding opportunities and communicating community impact.
Resources/Reports
The Massachusetts Special Commission on Micromobility has released its final report. The Commission was charged with reviewing current state and local laws and regulations for micromobility vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes, making recommendations to regulate micromobility vehicles, including on bike paths, sidewalks and shared use paths; and creating recommendations to support the expansion of micromobility vehicle use and innovation including shared micromobility options for municipalities. The Commission created 16 recommendations covering legislative and regulatory changes, enforcement and safety, infrastructure, and growth opportunities.
The CDC has updated, Improving Health Through Transportation Policy which includes information on how transportation systems can significantly influence quality of life, health, and safety.
Upcoming Conferences
Registration is now open for the annual MassDOT Transportation Innovation Conference, May 5-6, 2026. The 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 Association of Mobility Management will host their annual conference in Oklahoma City, OK April 27th – 29th.
Community Transportation Association of America will host their annual conference EXPO in Omaha, NE May 10-13th for community and public transportation providers. The conference includes information on innovative technology, workforce development, communication strategies, funding, and regulations.
Funding Opportunities
The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds grant period is now open, with applications due on March 31st. The funds support community-centered approaches that disrupt barriers to health and root causes including structural racism, poverty, and deep power imbalances. The three areas of focus for the funds are Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change(PSE), Healthy Aging, and Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP).
In partnership with Smart Growth America, T4MA has launched the Champions Institute which provides local public officials and community advocates with knowledge and resources to support plans, policies, and funding that promote safe community environments to be physically active. Applications are due by the end of the day on Tuesday March 31, 2026.
Nonprofit organizations and government agencies are invited to apply to Main Street America, T Mobile’s Hometown Grant program, which funds $50,000 to rural communities of 50,000 people or less to support physical projects that benefit the public. Applications are due March 31st.
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