Boston MPO Transit Modernization Program Update

Description

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) created a Transit Modernization Investment program as part of its Destination 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The MPO allocated five percent of its Regional Target funds to this program between 2025 and 2040, or approximately $30 to $50 million in each five-year time band. This investment program will fund transit maintenance and modernization projects identified through coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA), and Boston region municipalities. By investing in these transit modernization and investment projects, the MPO will help to improve transit service in the region, and work toward the goals established in Destination 2040.

 

Types of Eligible Projects

The program would allow the MPO to fund the types of projects included below. MPO staff identified these project types, along with specific projects suggestions, after discussions with the MBTA, MWRTA, and CATA, and by reviewing comments on the MBTA’s Focus40 plan. Staff also reviewed feedback collected during MPO outreach to learn what types of projects the public would like to see funded through this investment program. The MPO goals that would be addressed by these investments are included under each project type.

 

 

Specific projects identified during public outreach include improving wheelchair access across the commuter rail tracks at Quincy Center Station, and providing a direct path to access the parking lot at Southborough Station on the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line.  

 

 

 

While MPO staff have discussed the feasibility of supporting track, signal, and power systems with the MBTA, staff will request MPO feedback on whether they would like to support this type of project as part of this program.

 

 

 

MPO staff continue to welcome input on the types of projects to be funded under this program. Staff will use this information to formalize a project intake process, and to develop evaluation criteria for selecting projects when funding becomes available in the Transportation Improvement Program in federal fiscal year 2025.