BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a portion of the over $14.8 million awarded through MassDOT's Fiscal Year 2025 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) will benefit Berkshire County.

 

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded funding for two fully accessible vehicles, and the South County Connector received funding for one fully accessible vehicle. These vehicles will enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities in the region.

 

"Our administration is committed to increasing travel options for seniors and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth, and this includes ensuring that Berkshire County residents have access to reliable transportation," said Governor Maura Healey.

 

This year's applications for CTGP funding were competitive, with 54 organizations requesting a total of 250 vehicles.??Winning awardees were selected with a focus on organizations replacing older and high-mileage vehicles to maintain a state of good repair, along with compelling stories from applicants to expand fleets where need has increased.  

 

MassDOT's Rail and Transit Division manages the Community Transit Grant Program annually. In addition to the vehicle cycle, organizations can also apply for operating and mobility management projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 CTGP operating and mobility management awards are funded with both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding, as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funding. Applicants can request a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair-accessible.  

 

Vehicles available through this grant program include a 6-passenger minivan with ramp, 6-passenger electric minivan with lift, 8-passenger cutaway with lift, 12-passenger cutaway with lift, 14-passenger cutaway with lift, 16-passenger cutaway with lift, and 14-passenger low-floor minibus with ramp.  

 

According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 85 percent of the cost of each vehicle.? Massachusetts' Councils on Aging, nonprofits, and municipalities must pay a 15% match. The state's 15 Regional Transit Authorities are eligible for fully-funded vehicles with state MAP funds providing a 15 percent match.