Community Transit Grant Program

The FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Vehicle Cycle is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Rail and Transit Division. This initiative aims to expand mobility options across the Commonwealth for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The program supports the purchase of fully accessible vehicles, filling transportation service gaps and fostering coordinated, efficient transit models that complement existing services. Through this cycle, MassDOT will procure the awarded vehicles directly, covering 85 percent of the cost, while the awarded grantee provides the remaining 15 percent as a local match. Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are exempt from this cost share, as MassDOT covers the full vehicle expense for these entities. Funding for this program is derived from both federal and state sources. Specifically, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program and the Massachusetts Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) provide the primary funding streams. Section 5310 focuses on strengthening mobility services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing coordinated transportation solutions for populations that traditional transit systems do not adequately serve. The MAP funds serve as the state financial match, supporting the acquisition of eligible vehicles. Projects funded through CTGP must serve these populations, though broader community use is encouraged when coordinated with local partners. Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations providing transportation services to seniors and/or individuals with disabilities where public transit options are insufficient, local governmental entities such as municipalities, Councils on Aging, or Regional Transit Authorities operating in areas without available nonprofit transportation providers, and private taxi operators offering regular shared-ride services to the public. Municipal applicants must demonstrate compliance with the Massachusetts General Laws and the MBTA Communities Act. Federal and state regulations apply to all awarded grantees, and applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational readiness to participate in the program. The application process opens on September 25, 2025, and closes on November 21, 2025. Applications must be submitted online through the MassDOT website. Required applicant training sessions are scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2025, with attendance mandatory for new applicants. Applicants are encouraged to contact MassDOT staff for technical assistance throughout the process. Submissions must include multiple documents, including a narrative form, an Active Fleet Inventory Form, an EV Form if applying for an electric vehicle, a local match letter, and a financial audit for nonprofit and for-profit applicants. New applicants must also include an organizational chart, accounting policies, and certification documents verifying eligibility. Applications are evaluated through a two-tier review process. The threshold review confirms eligibility, completeness, and compliance with federal and state program requirements. The second stage evaluates the application based on demonstrated need and project benefit, coordination with other service providers, vehicle replacement justification, and service expansion potential. Final funding recommendations are influenced by regional priorities and the availability of vehicles. Applicants must align their proposals with their region’s Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan and demonstrate coordination with local transit resources. Applicants may contact Rachel L. Fichtenbaum at Rachel.L.Fichtenbaum@dot.state.ma.us or (857) 368-8584 for assistance. Technical help and application support are available throughout the process. All applications must be submitted electronically by the closing date to be considered. The program’s focus remains the enhancement of mobility and independence for populations who rely on accessible transportation in Massachusetts.

Attend mandatory training, prepare documentation early, confirm regional coordination, review useful life benchmarks.