GATRA gets Transpo Grant

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing a total of more than $4.7 million in funding awards to 43 organizations for 55 projects in the Community Transit Grant Program, including GATRA, which serves Franklin. This annual competitive grant program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), supports operating and mobility management projects for Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities, and nonprofits to expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities.

“Public transportation investments connect people with destinations, giving people access to jobs, housing, and community, and supporting overall economic vitality,” said MassDOT Acting Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We had almost twice as much interest in the program this year compared to last year, and we look forward to watching how these investments advance the awardees’ goals around equity and access for populations with disabilities and older adults, while connecting these individuals to medical care, jobs, and other essential resources.”

MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger added, “The grant funding will support mobility needs across our state such as helping individuals transition from driving, supporting volunteer driver programs, and helping to ensure older adults and members of the disability community can have rides to important destinations. We look forward to seeing the difference this funding will make in the lives of residents, especially those in rural areas and Environmental Justice Communities where public transportation needs are greatest.”

GATRA, (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority) received $125,000 to support long -distance non-emergency medical transportation to older adults and/or persons with disabilities who are unable to take other options.

Separately, all GATRA buses are free November 24-December 31.

The grant awards will be funded through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 funds, remaining CRSSA and ARPA funding through the FTA 5310 program, and new funding made available to MassDOT through the FY24 state budget to expand the Community Transit Grant Program. In addition to these operating and mobility management grants, MassDOT also awards fully accessible vehicles through the Community Transit Grant Program; the FY24 vehicle applications will open November 28