MassDOT announces additional regional transit authority funding awards
Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Tuesday announced $5.1 million in additional funding awards for regional transit authorities across the Commonwealth to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers. The RTA award winners have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies.
Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones. All project proposals were selected on a competitive basis. This $5.1 million includes $4 million in operating funding allocated in the fiscal year 2019 state budget signed by Gov. Charlie Baker as well as an additional $1.1 million in capital funding from MassDOT. Award winners will now be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MassDOT to address the project goals.
Locally, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority received a total operating award of $361,128 for a pilot to extend service hours for BRTA bus Route 11 and Route 11X serving Berkshire Community College with final runs on BRTA bus Route 21 Express and BRTA bus Route 1.
