Grant awards going to the MBTA, Merrimack Valley Transit Authority, Lowell Regional Transit Authority, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and Berkshire Regional Transit Authority
BOSTON- Friday, November 21, 205 (PRESS RELEASE) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Congressional delegation today celebrated that five Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) have won $105.7 million in federal funding to modernize their bus fleets and facilities. The funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Low or No Emissions Grant Program and the Buses and Bus Facilities Program will support the purchase of zero and low-emission buses and upgrades to facilities.
The awarded grants are going to the MBTA, Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MeVa), Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), and Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA).
“Low and no emission buses deliver smoother rides, lower costs and healthier air,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These funds will help regional transit authorities across the state purchase new buses and deliver the service that the people of Massachusetts deserve. I’m grateful for the team at MassDOT, the MBTA and our regional transit authorities, as well as for Senators Warren and Markey and our Congressional delegation for their strong leadership to secure this funding.”
“With these awards, communities from the Berkshires to Boston will be able to modernize their bus fleets and keep their infrastructure in a state of good repair so people can affordably and reliably get to work, school, medical appointments, and recreational opportunities,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Senator Warren, our federal congressional delegation, and our local partners for our work to make this funding a reality. We’re on the road to better and more reliable bus service.”
“Reliable, affordable public transit is a lifeline for families in Central and Western Massachusetts,” said Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02). “This federal investment will help our regional transit authorities replace aging buses, cut harmful emissions, and keep riders safe and moving. It means better service for workers, students, and seniors who depend on public transportation every single day. I’m grateful to Senators Markey and Warren, Governor Healey, and all our partners who worked to secure these funds. Together, we’re delivering real improvements that strengthen our communities and support a cleaner, more sustainable future for our commonwealth.”
“There’s been no shortage of political divisiveness and chaos in Washington lately, but my focus remains where it’s always been – on delivering for the hardworking families I represent,” said Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03). “That means fighting for investments that make daily life more affordable and more efficient for folks across our entire district. With these federal investments, our families, workers, and students will have access to new LRTA and MEVA buses that will help reduce costs for riders, improve reliability, and make it easier for families to get where they need to go.”
“Massachusetts is leading the way toward the healthier, more affordable future that working families deserve. This transformative investment in clean buses is the latest win in Democrats’ fight for faster, easier, and more sustainable commutes. I’m proud to be working alongside Governor Healey and our state leaders to strengthen the Commonwealth’s public transit, and I look forward to seeing these dollars put to work,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05).
“Massachusetts is leading the nation in building a cleaner and more reliable public transit system, and this investment will lead to more reliable service, lower emissions, and a transit system that connects more people to jobs, schools, and opportunity. I’ll continue to work to bring more federal resources to Massachusetts to deliver real progress for riders across Massachusetts,” said Representative Seth Moulton (MA-06).
“Transit justice is an economic, climate, and racial justice issue, and our policies and budgets must reflect that. These meaningful federal investments will help make our transportation infrastructure more safe and sustainable while connecting folks in the Massachusetts 7th and beyond to essential resources like jobs, schools, healthcare, and the grocery store,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Future of Transportation Caucus. “I’ll keep pushing to invest in public transit as the public good that it is.”
The projects that received grant funding include:
Low or No Emission Grant Program Awards (Total: $98,381,757)
This program provides funding for the purchase or lease of zero- and low-emission transit buses, as well as supporting facilities. The majority of the funding was awarded through this program:
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): $78.6 million for the Enhanced Hybrid (EEH) Bus Procurement. This furthers the MBTA’s goal to fully transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040, by maintaining the diesel-electric hybrid fleet in a state of good repair while modernization initiatives are underway
- Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MeVa): $7.2 million to support the continued modernization and expansion of MeVa’s fleet, including the addition of six expansion 40-foot hybrid electric vehicles.
- Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA): $7.2 million to modernize the fleet, including the procurement of six fully accessible Gillig 35FT Hybrid-Electric Heavy-Duty Low-Floor Fixed Route Buses to replace six 2016 diesel buses.
- Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA): $5.4 million to replace four 35-foot vintage 2018 Gillig Diesel heavy-duty buses with four 40-foot Gillig Low Floor Hybrid Electric heavy-duty transit vehicles. This next-generation electric hybrid system allows BRTA to achieve pure electric propulsion for up to 50% EV time during daily operation.
Buses & Bus Facilities Program Awards (Total: $7,475,955)
This program funds capital projects to purchase, rehabilitate, or lease buses and related equipment, and to construct, purchase, rehabilitate, or lease bus-related facilities.
- Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA): $4.5 million for a Northampton Transit Bus Garage Renovation. The planned renovation will update the entire bus maintenance area, including the replacement of three existing in-ground bus lifts, which will improve the ability to maintain buses and increase employee safety.
- Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA): $3 million for Preventive Maintenance and Facility Equipment.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made it a priority to pursue every dollar available and I’m proud of our collective teams across our Regional Transit Authorities and the MBTA for their collaboration and hard work to secure this $105.7 million in competitive grants that will enable us to modernize our bus fleets,” said Interim Transportation Secretary Phillip Eng. “With the support of our federal partners, these grants will improve service, safety and accessibility for all with new efficient buses that give the public the option to choose transit and leave their car behind.”
“These grants allow MassDOT partners the opportunity to deploy new technologies that help modernize the public transit fleet while supporting progress toward cleaner air,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “The Commonwealth’s transportation system is truly a network comprised of multiple modes, and through programs like this, we can accelerate innovation and reduce traffic congestion.”
“Winning these grants is another positive step forward for the Commonwealth to modernize and decarbonize our transportation assets together with our partners at the RTAs, the MBTA, and the federal government,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “Under the Healey-Driscoll administration we are investing in public transportation by expanding mobility options for people to travel which spurs economic growth, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves quality of life.
The FTA Low or No Emission Grant Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. Funding is allocated to projects on a competitive basis, from proposals submitted to the FTA in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity. Additional information can be found on the FTA’s website: https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized improving public transportation across the state. Under the leadership of General Manger Eng, the T has removed all slow zones for the first time in 20 years, increased speeds, opened new lines, hired thousands of workers, upgraded stations, implemented tap-to-pay and a low-income fares program, and more. As a result, the MBTA’s commuter rail ridership has rebounded at the highest level nationally, surpassing pre-pandemic ridership. Additionally, in partnership with the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made Regional Transit Authority service free across the state.
Statements of Support:
Noah Berger, Merrimack Valley Transit Administrator
“This award is very timely, as it will add six new high-capacity 40-foot hybrid buses to our fleet, allowing MeVa to meet the growing demand for transit in the high-volume corridor connecting the gateway cities of Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill. The new buses will also be powered by the latest technology Allison eGen Flex Hybrid system, using geofencing to operate solely on electric power in densely populated and high traffic areas, where benefits will be greatest, without new charging infrastructure. Big thanks to Governor Healey, Senator Markey, and Congresswoman Trahan for championing this initiative and supporting the continued investment in MeVa’s innovation.”
Robert Malnati, Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Administrator
“These four 40’ low floor hybrid electric buses will assist transporting the BRTA’s growing transit ridership while reducing overcrowding when using the current smaller fleet. The bus simulator will dovetail with the proposed CDL testing site in Pittsfield to help eliminate the shortage of CDL operators in the area. Simulation based learning environments foster collaboration, encourage teamwork, and support the development of a strong, adaptable transit workforce. Maintaining a state of good repair at both facilities rounds out the remaining grant award projects.”
Sandra E. Sheehan, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Administrator
“PVTA is pleased to receive this significant award from the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facility Discretionary Grant Program. This grant will enable us to maintain the Northampton Operations and Maintenance facility in a state of good repair, which is crucial for improving the safety, capacity, and reliability of our entire transit system as we work to meet growing demand as we expand service.”
