Washington (February 6, 2023) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Bill Keating (MA-09), members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, today celebrated news that Massachusetts will receive more than $550 million in funding through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs in the 2023 fiscal year. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these FTA formula funds for Massachusetts have increased by nearly 40 percent since the 2021 fiscal year.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating more than half a billion dollars in federal funding for our Commonwealth’s transit agencies and authorities,” said Senator Markey. “Massachusetts families, students, commuters, and visitors deserve safe, free, accessible public transit. With this significant investment, we are one step closer to securing a brighter, more livable future for our Commonwealth that is powered by fare- and carbon-free transit.”  

“I fought hard with our Massachusetts delegation in Congress to secure over $550 million in federal funding to support our Bay State transit agencies,” said Senator Warren. “These investments will help strengthen our transit system by making it safe, affordable, and accessible to all – and I’ll continue to make sure the federal government is a partner in developing the 21st century public transit network the Commonwealth needs and deserves.”

“Our public transportation systems are what keep our communities moving forward and play a critical role in our nation’s fight against the climate crisis,” said Congressman Neal. “Thanks to President Biden, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing the financial catalyst needed to upgrade our aging infrastructure. Let this serve as a reminder of the role our regional transit authorities play throughout the Commonwealth and what completion of the East-West rail project would mean for our region’s economy.” 

“Investing in public transportation is a win-win for working families in Massachusetts and in the fight to combat climate change,” said Congressman McGovern. “Transit agencies and authorities in the Commonwealth no longer have to pinch pennies and risk commuter safety thanks to this award of $550 million in federal funding to reimagine our public transportation, made possible in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I remain focused on fighting for equitable public transit projects, including the completion of East-West rail, a necessary economic connector for communities in the Second District and across Massachusetts.”

“Growing up in Lowell, my family didn’t have a lot of money, and my sisters and I routinely relied on Lowell Regional Transit Authority buses to go downtown, to school, and to work. Millions of families know what that’s like – to wake up early, walk to the bus stop or train station, and commute day in and day out. Making sure that public transit is reliable and efficient is critical to the ability of families to succeed,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This federal investment, which includes funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be instrumental in improving public transit options across Massachusetts. I look forward to working with Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and their administration’s transportation task force to secure additional competitive funding that will further bolster transit and other important infrastructure initiatives.”

"Investing in transit will help connect Bay Staters to jobs, services, and each other. As we implement the bipartisan infrastructure bill, prioritizing public transportation helps create walkable downtowns and a cleaner planet,” said Congressman Auchincloss.

“A game-changing, half-billion-dollar investment in our public transportation system is heading to Massachusetts,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “Secured through our historic Infrastructure Law, this funding will help bolster public transit options, slash commute times, and cut air pollution. I’m proud to have fought alongside our entire delegation to bring this vital investment home to the Commonwealth, and I remain committed to building the cleaner, greener future that Massachusetts families deserve.”

“It’s no secret that Massachusetts’ public transit system needs a wholesale makeover. The MBTA is failing our residents, who have no other option but to sit in gridlock traffic. With this funding, though, we have an opportunity for transformational change. It’s time to finally get more cars off the roads and provide people with the affordable, accessible options they deserve. We must take this opportunity to truly invest in 21st century public transit system. This includes committing to remake the T into a true regional rail system and start critical projects like the North-South Rail Link. Public transit is not only better for the environment, it will fuel our economy by connecting more people to job and housing opportunities,” said Congressman Moulton.

“Public transit is a public good. We must make meaningful investments that affirm it as such,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This new funding will go a long way toward that goal by making our transit more accessible, and helping to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities in the Massachusetts 7th and beyond.”

"The MBTA and our regional transit authorities provide a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of residents of the Commonwealth, and this FTA investment will help ensure transit riders can make it to school, work, and beyond," said Congressman Bill Keating. "This is another example of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law making an impact in our local communities, and I am proud to have joined my Massachusetts colleagues in supporting this historic legislation."

###