State awards $10 million for microtransit projects - regional service could benefit Reading area
(2-3 minute read)
The administration of Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll has announced $10 million in new grants to expand microtransit and the “last-mile” transportation connections across Massachusetts - an initiative that could improve regional mobility for communities, including Reading and neighboring towns.
The funding comes through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Microtransit and Last-Mile Grant Program, which is supporting nine projects across the Commonwealth designed to help riders travel the final distance between transit hubs and their destinations.
Connecting communities to transit
Microtransit typically refers to flexible, technology-enabled transportation services that use small vehicles and on-demand ride scheduling to connect residents to train stations, bus routes, employment centers, and other destinations.
State officials say the goal is to improve access to jobs, housing, education, and essential services while expanding mobility options for communities that may lack convenient public transit connections.
“These programs will connect riders to their jobs, housing, education, and destinations they depend on,” MassDOT officials said when announcing the initiative, emphasizing that the projects are intended to improve quality of life and strengthen transportation networks statewide.
Regional pilot could include Reading
One of the funded projects is a regional microtransit pilot led by the City of Woburn, which will partner with nearby communities, including Reading, Burlington, and Wakefield.
The pilot aims to test a flexible transit service that helps residents travel between towns and connect to existing public transportation. By improving these “first mile and last-mile” connections, the program seeks to close the gap that often makes public transit difficult to use in suburban communities.
For Reading residents, that could mean easier connections to nearby transit hubs, employment centers, and regional destinations, particularly for those who may not have access to a car or who live farther from existing transit routes.
Why last-mile transit matters
Transportation planners often identify the “last-mile” as one of the biggest barriers to public transit use. Even when buses or trains are available, getting from a station to the final destination, such as a workplace, school, or doctor’s office, can be difficult and costly without additional transportation.
In addition to improving mobility, state officials say the projects can support regional economic development by helping residents reach jobs and services more easily.
Looking ahead
The current round of funding represents the first awards under the new program, which drew strong interest from communities across Massachusetts. Additional funding opportunities are expected in the future as the state continues investing in transportation innovations designed to connect more communities.
For Reading and surrounding towns, the regional pilot could offer a glimpse of how flexible transit options may expand access to transportation and help more residents connect to the broader regional transit network.
