Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to thank for increase in public transit funding for the Commonwealth

Boston (April 4, 2024) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement on news that Massachusetts will receive more than $550 million through the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) programs in the 2024 fiscal year. Due to historic investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FTA formula funds for Massachusetts have increased by nearly 40 percent since fiscal year 2021. 

“We are proud to celebrate this massive investment in public transit for the people of Massachusetts. This funding will expand freedom of movement, reduce carbon emissions, and make our communities more livable. People, including Black, Brown, and low-income riders who disproportionately use public transit, deserve transportation that is safe, reliable, accessible, and free of fares and carbon emissions. Today’s investment puts us on the right track to arrive at that future.” 

Today’s news follows the announcement last month from Senator Markey, the Massachusetts delegation, and elected officials that the Department of Transportation will provide $335 million in funding for Allston’s I-90 project, and the September 2023 announcement that the federal delegation secured $108 million for eventual East-West passenger train service running through Boston, Worcester, and Western Massachusetts. The Department of Transportation also recently announced $45 million in funding for investments to connect public and active transportation infrastructure, a result of Senator Markey’s language in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Together these investments will enable critical projects across the Commonwealth to improve public transit, expand active transportation infrastructure, empower East-West Rail, and address numerous environmental justice issues.

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