Transit Connectivity Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Transit Connectivity Grant Program, funded under Section 1595-6370 of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Act, is designed to support Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in creating or modifying routes to improve connectivity between existing public transportation networks. These networks may include RTA routes, MBTA routes, and links to local economic hubs. The total funding available for this competitive program is up to $10 million, and awards will be made through contractual agreements. Funding is intended for operating projects that demonstrate opportunities to increase ridership, expand total mileage covered in a single trip, and improve access for low-income individuals. Eligible projects must address one or more of these criteria, and applications can request support for more than twelve months of service. MassDOT can roll funds from one fiscal year to another, allowing for flexible project timelines. RTAs may submit multiple applications, and joint applications between RTAs—or between an RTA and the MBTA—are encouraged and may receive bonus points for collaborative approaches that facilitate transfers, connect service areas, or fill coverage gaps. Project proposals will be reviewed by a MassDOT Rail and Transit Division committee and scored on a 50-point scale, with an additional 10 points available for collaboration-based bonus criteria. Proposals must be submitted via the online form provided on the MassDOT website. The evaluation process considers the proposed service plan, evidence of project need, strategies for increasing ridership and coverage, prioritization of low-income riders, and a clear evaluation method for measuring success. MassDOT reserves the right to negotiate project scope and deliverables before finalizing awards, and awards may be less than the requested amounts. Projects will be selected on merit, with attention to geographic equity where possible. Applicants must provide basic project information including the project name, lead and partner RTAs, main contact details, and proposed service dates. The service plan should describe the routes or service areas to be connected, the transportation mode selected, and the implementation plan. Project need must be supported by data from transportation plans, surveys, or rider feedback. Prioritization criteria include anticipated ridership figures, increased coverage area with square mileage, and strategies to reach low-income individuals, potentially in partnership with community-based organizations. Bonus points may be earned by demonstrating formal collaboration with other RTAs or the MBTA, including evidence of outreach to MBTA staff before submission. Applicants must also provide a completed budget spreadsheet as part of the application. Optional attachments such as letters of support may be included. There is no minimum or maximum award limit per applicant, and no set number of awards will be granted. The funding can extend beyond the end of the state fiscal year if necessary. The application deadline for FY26 Transit Connectivity Grants is September 12. All responses and budget materials must be uploaded through the designated online application form. Questions about collaboration with the MBTA should be directed to Glenn Geiler at ggeiler@mbta.com.

Bonus points possible for documented collaboration; outreach to MBTA contact recommended before submission.