The Healey-Driscoll Administration has just awarded $5.8 million in grants to 44 organizations for 56 projects aimed at improving mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals across Massachusetts. This includes a $125,000 grant to the Town of Acton for a shared regional dispatch system for the Council on Aging (COA) and other transportation services in Acton, Littleton, and Sudbury, where riders have a single dispatch office to contact to ask for a ride.
The Community Transit Grant Program is an annual funding opportunity that supports various initiatives such as providing rides, hiring travel trainers, and facilitating regional collaboration to address transportation gaps. The grants fund projects ranging from long-distance medical shuttles and rural transportation services to technology training for older adults and the development of shared van dispatch systems, all intended to enhance accessibility and equity within the state’s transportation network.
During the Acton Finance Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, Ellie Anderson, the Town’s Financial Solutions Analyst, shared the positive news regarding grant funding for transportation. She announced that the $125,000 grant was an increase from previous years, and will directly support Transportation operations in fiscal year 2026.
Anderson elaborated on the collaborative effort behind the grant application, noting that she and Marianne Fleckner, the Director of Administration and Finance, worked closely with Penny Funaiole and Laura Dearn from Health and Human Services. The grant, regional in scope, is specifically allocated to the CrossTown Connect transportation service and the dispatch center. This service provides on-demand transportation, prioritizing elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those requiring medical transportation.
Furthermore, Anderson emphasized the regional partnership involved, stating that the towns of Littleton and Sudbury also participate in the CrossTown Connect initiative. While Acton serves as the fiduciary, the application was submitted on behalf of the broader CrossTown Connect entity. She concluded by highlighting the positive feedback received from MassDOT, indicating that CrossTown Connect enjoys a strong reputation with the state.
Acton and surrounding towns have benefitted from the funding program, usually to support the shared dispatch, for more than ten years – most of the time since the multi-town public-private CrossTown Connect was established in 2012.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) received 79 applications from 59 organizations with a total request of over $14 million. So, many gaps in the transportation network across Massachusetts were not filled.
In a press release, Governor Maura Healey said, “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.”
She added, “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.”
In the release, Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said, “The need for these transportation investments is clear, given how many of our partners competed for funding to enhance services for travelers who rely on transit to get to their medical appointments, jobs, grocery shopping, and community and social gatherings.”
She added, “We look forward to seeing these projects improve connectivity across Massachusetts.”
I asked several local officials and residents what they thought about Acton receiving a $125,000 Community Transit Grant this year.
Nirupama “Niru” Velankar, the Council on Aging Board’s transportation liaison, said, “The transportation service is of great importance for the seniors and other residents of Acton. It covers Acton and five of the surrounding towns. Rides are free and need to be booked in advance with CrossTown Connect dispatchers. Residents, especially seniors, use the service to go to medical appointments, for shopping, and various activities.”
She continued, “Extra appreciation for the van drivers. They are friendly, kind, courteous and extremely helpful. This is very important to seniors and those with special needs. Without access to transportation it would be easy for seniors to become lonely and in poor health. The service provides flexibility to us seniors who want to attend exercise classes, art classes, talks, etc. at the Council on Aging.”
Velankar added, “A CAT (Cross-Acton Transit) bus runs on a fixed schedule and route. But it only covers specific parts of the town. Additional CAT buses with different routes, including the Council on Aging, would certainly help with transit since the demand and usage is high.”
She concluded, “I greatly appreciate the transportation services in Acton.”
Joan Burrows, a co-founder and associate member of the Acton Commission on Disabilities, said, “Not sure if I can add anything. As a 93-year-old who no longer drives but needs rides to doctors, I would like rides to see friends and for friends to see me!”
A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “One thing that I really rely on and truly need is the town transportation (CrossTown Connect “vans”). It is my only mode of transportation to get to doctor appointments and the food pantry. I cannot drive due to multiple, on-going, chronic medical conditions, and have many appointments every week that I need to get to. I don’t have others to help take me to appointments on a regular basis, so I really rely on the town vans to take me to them. I cannot afford Uber or Lyft because I’m on a fixed income. The vans have been so helpful, and I’m very grateful for them.”
Jim Snyder-Grant, the Acton Select Board liaison to both the Transportation Advisory Committee and the Commission on Disabilities, said, “This grant for shared regional dispatch for Acton, Littleton, and Sudbury is helping to bring the cost down for dispatching the Acton van services, including the fixed route CAT van, and the dispatchable vans. Acton has also recently created a new agreement with Littleton and Sudbury that distributes the costs more fairly. Acton public transit still needs improvements – most importantly there is no longer any coverage for evenings and weekends – but Town staff are always looking for ways to stretch our dollars further.”
State Rep. Danillo Sena said, “Investing in public transportation is key to ensuring our communities are connected. I’m so excited to see this grant awarded to Acton for a shared regional dispatch for the Council on Aging and additional transportation in our region. I look forward to seeing our town use this funding to improve our transportation system.”
And finally, State Rep. Simon Cataldo wrote, “I was thrilled to see that the Town of Acton has been awarded this grant aimed at enhancing mobility for all of our residents by filling gaps in the existing regional transportation network. This funding will empower our community by improving access to essential services and fostering greater independence for those who need it most. Together, the Legislature and Governor’s administration is committed to building a more inclusive and accessible Acton and region for everyone.”
Council on Aging Beat Reporter Greg Jarboe writes on senior issues and about a lot else in Acton. He is a former editor of the Acton Minuteman and a former chair of the Acton Select Board.