On January 31, MassDOT released its application for funding through the Community Transit Grant Program for capital, operating, and planning expenses supporting community transportation in Massachusetts. Funding streams include federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (5310), as well as state Mobility Assistance Program funds. In addition, MassDOT has some remaining funding in the New Freedom and Job Access and Reverse Commute programs to disburse. Applications are due by 5 PM on March 1.

After holding seventeen public visioning sessions across Massachusetts in fall of 2012, MassDOT released The Way Forward: A 21st-Century Transportation Plan in mid-January. This report summarizes the needs of transportation systems and infrastructure across the state, reviews the progress MassDOT has made since the state legislature passed transportation reform in 2009, lists priority projects, suggests additional reforms, and discusses options for increasing revenue. Among other projects, the plan calls for an additional $100 million annually for Regional Transit Authorities and completion of the South Coast Rail to Fall River and New Bedford. In his State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Patrick emphasized the importance of investing in transportation and suggested dedicating state sales tax revenues to a transportation fund. The Governor has submitted his proposals to the state legislature for consideration.

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) has taken two steps to make it easier for veterans to meet their healthcare needs. Veterans in the Attleboro area who have trouble getting to appointments at the Brockton VA Hospital can now call GATRA or their local Veterans' Service Officer to get a ride on a new shuttle. Veterans in Plymouth can request the Plymouth Area Link to deviate from its route in order to drop them off at the Veterans Clinic. On the way home, veterans call GATRA from the clinic to arrange a pickup.  

Volunteer driver programs are helping seniors and others who have difficulty accessing transportation get to essential services and social opportunities in communities all over the state. As part of our Mobility Management Information Network, the HST Office has compiled resources for organizations interested in starting a volunteer driver program, as well as information to help you find volunteer programs in your area and an interactive map of programs across Massachusetts. 

Are you on Twitter? If so, follow us @MassMobility for links to community transportation resources relevant to organizations and agencies here in Massachusetts. If you aren't on Twitter, you can still see our posts online at twitter.com/MassMobility/.

What social media are you using? Let us know where you like to find information and where you like to share information.

HST has launched a calendar of mobility management events and funding opportunities for Massachusetts.

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