Statement: To safeguard regional public transit funding, Senate overrides Governor Baker’s veto

Increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities will improve service across the Commonwealth

MASSPIRG

BOSTON — Massachusetts lawmakers voted on Thursday to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget cut for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). Massachusetts’ 15 RTAs provide bus service outside of the greater Boston area. This new funding for RTAs’ base operations will increase in FY22 to $94 million, $3.5 million of which will be distributed by a previously agreed upon formula, helping to improve and expand statewide public transit service for all Bay Staters. 

In response, John Stout, transportation advocate for MASSPIRG, issued the following statement:

“This is a huge win for our RTAs, which have been chronically underfunded. We applaud the Senate for joining the House and committing to better regional transit in Massachusetts. By providing the RTAs with $94 million in base funding, the Commonwealth will be able to continue working towards a transportation system that meets our 21st century needs. This is a critical step forward for RTAs and will provide them with much needed resources to expand service for the over 32 million Bay Staters who rely on them.”