Massachusetts Secures $106 Million in Federal Funding for Transit Upgrades

Massachusetts transit agencies have received $106 million in federal funding to upgrade bus fleets and reduce bus emissions.

Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation are intended to support transit fleets with low- or zero-emission propulsion technologies. Funds can also be used to upgrade bus facilities and enhance the state's public transit workforce.

“Low- and no-emission buses deliver smoother rides, lower costs, and healthier air,” Healey said in a joint statement on Friday, along with Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren. “These funds will help transit authorities across the state purchase new buses and deliver the service that the people of Massachusetts deserve.”

According to a Boston Globe report, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will receive $79 million to replace old buses with new hybrid models, representing the largest funding award in the state.

Phil Eng, the state's interim transportation secretary and MBTA general manager, said the funds would “enhance service, safety, and accessibility for all, delivering cleaner, new, efficient buses that make it easier for people to choose transit and leave their car behind.”

Other recipients include the Lowell Regional Transit Authority, which received $7.2 million. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded $5.3 million for bus replacements and $3 million for rehabilitation of the maintenance and operations facility.

The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority was allotted $7.1 million to purchase new buses for its fleet. Additionally, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority received $4.4 million to rehabilitate its Northampton bus garage, according to The Boston Globe. 

Overall, the Department of Transportation awarded $2 billion to 165 transit projects across 45 states and the District of Columbia, funding 2,400 buses built with American parts and labor.