Transportation Justice

Funding and Modernizing Regional Transit Authorities

Massachusetts’ 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are a lifeline to millions of people living in the 250+ cities and towns beyond the reach of the MBTA. By operating fixed bus routes and providing dial-a-ride services for people with disabilities, RTAs connect residents to medical care, food, jobs, education and other necessities that drive good health outcomes. Despite their essential function, RTAs have suffered for years from chronic underfunding and year-to-year budget uncertainties, which have made it difficult to maintain existing services – and impossible to expand services when and where they are most needed.

The RTA Advocates Coalition

To build support for RTAs across the Commonwealth, MPHA joined forces with Transportation for Massachusetts in 2018 to launch the RTA Advocates Coalition. Since then, thanks to the participation and hard work of community-based organizations and individuals across the state, the Coalition has succeeded in preserving funding for RTAs. We have also provided information to the Task Force on RTA Performance and Funding, which the Legislature appointed in 2019 to recommend improvements to RTA operations.

Today, the RTA Advocates Coalition is comprised of community groups, human service providers, transportation advocates, and local leaders committed to providing a unified voice for transit users in RTA service areas across the state. The Coalition’s top priorities include:

  • Adequate funding to support RTA operations,
  • Stronger connectivity between regions, and
  • Service hours that meet resident needs (weekend service, late night and early morning service).
Investing in Regional Transit Communities

Residents across Massachusetts struggle to get to work, purchase healthy and affordable food, commute to community college and access health care due to gaps in our transportation system. Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) exist to close these transportation gaps and ensure people in the over 250 communities beyond MBTA bus and subway lines can get where they need to go to live healthy lives, support their families and contribute to the local economy.

While transit providers have used boosts to operating in FY24 and FY25 to expand bus and van service to be more consistent and reliable for our communities, big gaps remain.

The RTA Advocates Coalition continues to fight for adequate funding through the annual state budget process in order to:

  • Make evening service available in additional Gateway Cities and rural towns
  • Increase frequency of RTA service across communities
  • Help RTAs recruit and retain drivers

Click here to learn more.

Centering Community Voices in Regional Transit
In the News
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