LYNN – The City has received $100,000 from the state Community Transit Grant Program, funding that will be used to connect residents to transportation options.
The grant was one of 56 totaling $5.8 million awarded for projects that expand and enhance mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals across Massachusetts. The funding will allow regional transit authorities, municipalities, and nonprofits to provide rides for people who would otherwise be unable to get to their destinations; hire staff to help people learn about and learn to use transportation options; and convene regional partners to collaborate to fill gaps in the transportation network; among other approaches to enhancing mobility.
Lynn will use the grant money to hire a community transportation coordinator, who will engage with vulnerable populations – seniors, residents with disabilities, low-income – to educate and connect them to transportation options, according to Norris Guscott, public health coordinator for the City.
“All of our assessments point to a need for transportation, getting people to resources and getting resources to people,” Guscott said. “We saw in the pandemic how critical transportation is.”
Guscott said the transportation coordinator will work with organizations including Greater Lynn Senior Services, the Lynn Senior Center and other nonprofits who may have the capacity to provide or expand transportation.
“This funding will allow us to enhance transportation opportunities for our residents, especially those who may need extra assistance,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “We appreciate the support and ongoing partnership with Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and their team, our state delegation, the public health team that prepared this proposal as well as the advocacy from our seniors who have highlighted the isolation that results from a lack of mobility options.”
This round of operating grants includes funding for long-distance medical shuttles that help riders access appointments, services providing rides in rural areas with limited public transit, and a pilot to provide door-through-door transportation support for people traveling to medical appointments where they will be under anesthesia, among others.
“Every investment we make in public transportation is an investment to connect more individuals and households to opportunities and to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We commend everyone who competed for funding available through this program and made a strong case for the importance of connectivity and transportation education in their respective communities.”
Mobility management grants include, among other things, funding to hire travel trainers who help teach people the skills and information they need to ride the bus independently and safely, funding to convene local organizations around shared needs and opportunities for improving mobility, and development of training to help older adults learn how to use google maps and other apps to expand their mobility.
“This funding will ensure we continue to support the mobility needs of our community members, especially those from vulnerable populations,” Sen. Brendan Crighton said. “We are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the City of Lynn for their commitment to investing in projects that will expand our transportation infrastructure.”
“This funding will provide our seniors with greater access to vital services and ensure they remain connected to the community,” Rep. Dan Cahill said. “By enhancing transportation options, we are improving the quality of life for our older residents and ensuring they have the mobility they need to stay active, healthy, and engaged.”
MassDOT received 79 applications from 59 organizations with a total request of more than $14 million. Community Transit Grant Program awards are funded using $4 million from the Education and Transportation Fund through the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, as well as $1.8 million in Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding.
“This grant is about more than just transportation—it’s about ensuring our families can fully participate in our community,” Rep. Sean Reid said. “Reliable mobility means access to jobs, healthcare, and social connections that improve quality of life. I’m grateful for the state’s investment in Lynn and look forward to seeing this initiative help break down barriers for those who need it most.”
“Reliable transportation is essential for accessing jobs, medical care, and community services,” Rep. Jenny Armini said. “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing this need and supporting efforts to improve mobility for all residents.”
