Funding Opportunities
As previously mentioned, the Community Transit Grant, Operating and Mobility Management Program is now open. These grants expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. Application materials and a pre-application training video describing application eligibility and materials are available. The deadline is October 30.
MassDOT has also announced the 2026 Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines and Infrastructure Program which includes funding to create safer and more accessible routes to school for students and families. Applications for Signs and Lines are due September 25. Applications for Infrastructure Program are due October 16.
CCAM-TAC (Coordinated Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assitance Center) is accepting applications for the 2027 Community Rides Pilot Grant Program, offering up to $100,000 for innovative projects that expand transportation access to healthcare, jobs, education, healthy food, and social services. Lead applicants include public transit providers, tribal transit, local governments, and nonprofit human service organizations. Applications are due October 19.
MassDOT launches Golden Gears Program
MassDOT recently announced Golden Gears, a bike share education program that will come to three communities across Massachusetts this fall. Events will take place in Everett, Springfield, and Worcester. With support from AARP's Community Challenge Flagship Grant, and in partnership with MassBike, these bikeshare clinics will include hands on riding instruction, peer conversations, guided group rides, and bikeshare passes. Developed intentionally to meet the needs of older adults and in consultation with the MA Healthy Aging Collaborative – the goals of the program are to build confidence in using new transportation tools (bikeshare) as well as education on safely using bike lanes and trail systems. A toolkit with the curriculum and lessons learned for this project will be made available statewide in the coming year for other communities to replicate. Registration for all events can be found on Golden Gears.
RCCs meet in August
Three Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) held meetings this past month. RCCs meet to discuss the transportation needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income populations to encourage collaboration and brainstorm solutions amongst transportation providers, community-based organizations, and riders.
The Quaboag Regional Coordinating Council (convened by Healthy Quaboag), met and discussed updates to community transportation resources in that region including from the Quaboag Connector and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), and Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, as well as upcoming walk audits in Monson MA scheduled for early September and late September for Ware, MA. The group also reviewed walk audit training videos from WalkMassachusetts.
The North Central Regional Coordinating Council is convened by the Health Equity Partnership of North Central MA and brings together a diverse group of stakeholders in that region. The group brainstormed the potential for a future Transit Summit to facilitate rider education and as an opportunity to discuss new or expanded transportation solutions. The initiative also has some grant funding available to support transportation in that region.
The Southeastern Regional Coordinating Council on Transportation also met in August. Convened by the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, participants reviewed new and expanded public transit options with the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA). The agenda also included a review of the Community Transit Grant Program, discussed the initial findings from the region’s draft Age Friendly Plan as well as reviewed the FAST (Food Access and Security in Transportation Plan for the region including the Food Access Plan Web Map.
MASILC gathering public input
The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Center (MASILC) is gathering public input to set the direction for the next State Plan for Independent Living. This plan will describe how the state’s network of independent living programs and services will meet the independent living needs of persons with disabilities in the state for the next three years. They are offering a variety of ways to respond including a needs assessment survey, postcard (3 question survey), or to participate in a listening session.
Upcoming Webinars and Courses
The Administration for Community Living in partnership with USAging has launched the Commit to Connect Program to combat social isolation. The initiative will host a webinar titled From Mobility to Connection: Transportation Strategies to Strengthen Social Connectedness of Older Adults and People with Disabilities on September 22 at 1:30PM. During the webinar, the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assistance Center (CCAM-TAC) will share strategies and resources for aging and disability networks to strengthen the impact of their transportation programs and services on social connectedness. Programs from Ohio and San Diego will be featured. Register for the webinar with the Commit to Connect Program.
CCAM-TAC has also introduced an e-learning course for mobility management professionals that highlights partnership agreements and how they can support effective coordination programs. The course covers Memorandums of Understanding, contracts, and intergovernmental agreements to help clarify when each one is appropriate, what they typically include, and how they support shared goals. The course is free but you must create an account on the CCAM-TAC website.
Easter Seals Project Action will host a webinar on Practical De-escalation Strategies for Transit Professionals on September 17 at 12PM. This webinar will explore practical de-escalation techniques, effective communication strategies, and methods for recognizing early warning signs of escalating behavior. Registration is $50.
National RTAP Mini Conference
The National RTAP October Tribal & Rural Transit Mini-Conference will take place in Boston, from October 13 to 15, 2026. This conference event is for transit professionals and organizations serving Tribal and rural communities, offering a platform for knowledge sharing, skill development, and networking. There are three tracks: Grant Writing, Driver and PASS Securement Training, and FTA Drug and Alcohol Training. Register with National RTAP.
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