Funding will increase accessibility of public transit across state as part of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

Washington (April 12, 2022) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) celebrated the more than $537 million investment in Massachusetts transit announced by the Department of Transportation last week. The funding, authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide Massachusetts with critical resources to upgrade the MBTA and regional transit systems, modernize our fleets, cars, and buses, and improve the resiliency of our transit infrastructure. 

“These funds are an overdue investment in Massachusetts’ public transportation that will allow us to expand access to affordable public transit, invest in environmentally-sustainable modes of transportation, and reinforce our transit infrastructure against severe storms and other extreme weather events caused by climate change,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to have worked with the delegation and President Biden to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and secure these funds for the Commonwealth.”

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Massachusetts delegation will receive $537 million this year for our transit systems. These funds mean improved reliability for commuters, more good union jobs, and are essential to help us tackle climate change. I’m glad I was able to help secure this funding, and I will keep fighting for these investments,” said Senator Warren.

Under this transit funding announcement, Massachusetts will receive $537, 081, 507 in guaranteed formula funding to modernize and expand public transportation services. This funding is part of a $20 billion national investment in public transit and reflects a 35 percent increase compared to fiscal year 2021. Overall, total funding for the announced transit programs will increase by 58% this year as part of theBipartisan Infrastructure Law.

These funding allocations include:

• $273,622,756 for the Urbanized Area Formula Grant Program to invest in transit capital and operating assistance, including $15,648,323 for Barnstable Town, $16,555,187 for Springfield, and $12,219,457 for Worcester.
• $228,938,342 for the State of Good Repair Formula Grant Program to upgrade and repair rail and bus rapid transit systems.
• $12,849,112 for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Program to rehabilitate old buses and purchase new ones and related equipment, including $5,957,634 to Boston and $4,590,477 for other towns across the state with fewer than 200,000 residents.
• $9,101,886 for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program to remove barriers to transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• $5,230,428 for the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to support public transportation systems in rural areas.
• $4,069,496 for the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program and $810,393 for the Statewide Transportation Planning Program for Metropolitan Planning Organizations and states to develop long-range and short-range multimodal transportation plans.
• $2,251,123 for the State Safety Oversight Program to develop and implement oversight safety plans for rail transit systems.
• $166,240 for the Rural Transit Assistance Program to design and implement training and technical assistance for transit projects in non-urbanized areas.
• $41,731 under the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

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