The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced an additional $400,000 funding award for the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) as part of a grant program to regional transit authorities to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers. Regional award winners have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable, and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies.

The RTA grant funds come from $4 million that the legislature included in operating funding in the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget as well as an additional $1.1 million in capital funding from MassDOT. CATA will receive $215,777 in capital funds and $184,223 in operating funds to pilot a program for on-demand transportation services in Gloucester and Rockport to extend transit services beyond regular hours and on weekends using QRyde on-demand technology.

“Regional transportation authorities provide a critical service in many areas of the Commonwealth, especially here on Cape Ann where we are geographically isolated. The people of Cape Ann rely on CATA’s timely regular buses and special services such as the Dial-A-Ride,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “This award will enable CATA to pilot a new program to better deliver the services that the people of Cape Ann depend on.”

Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones. All project proposals were selected on a competitive basis. Award winners will now be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with MassDOT to address the project goals.