BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen Edward Markey, John Olver and Michael Capuano, today announced that Massachusetts will receive over $28.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace transit buses, complete station construction projects and improve connections between rail and bus services across Massachusetts.

The funding, awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s State of Good Repair Program, supports projects that maintain bus and rail systems in order to ensure that they provide safe and reliable service to the millions of daily riders.

“These investments will create jobs and help people who rely on public transportation day in and day out,” said Sen. Kerry.
 
“These grants will do much to improve our mass transit programs and be a great benefit to those who utilize and rely on public transportation. Congratulations to all the communities that won these major awards,” said Sen. Brown.
 
"This vital federal funding will greatly benefit Massachusetts commuters, making public transportation safer, more reliable and more convenient. The grants also will help grow our economy and create jobs as projects progress. By replacing the area’s aging transit vehicle fleet, we will ensure commuters have an affordable, environmentally-friendly and reliable option for getting around for years to come,” said Rep. Markey.
 
“These grants will allow the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority and the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority to buy new buses to replace old vehicles that desperately need to be retired.  These new vehicles will help people get where they need to go more efficiently,” said Rep. Olver.
 
“These funds will increase the efficiency of our regional public transportation system by making resources available to purchase buses. This will allow the Massachusetts DOT to phase out older vehicles and upgrade its fleet which is good news for commuters,” said Rep. Capuano.
 
The following transportation projects will receive funding:
 
Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Boston, MA
Vehicle Replacement
$ 18,433,045.00
 
Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Springfield, MA
Springfield Union Station Redevelopment
$ 6,000,000.00
 
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority – Pittsfield, MA
Vehicle and Farebox Replacement
$ 2,044,000.00
 
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority – Fitchburg, MA
Vehicle Replacement
$ 1,500,000.00
 
Brockton Area Transit Authority – Brockton, MA
Replace paving at the BAT Intermodal Center and maintenance facility
$ 675,000.00
 
 
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