BOSTON - Oct. 17, 2024 - A major new federal grant designed to help relieve congestion across Greater Boston will fund scores of new Bluebikes stations and add several new shuttle routes to supplement MBTA service throughout the city, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) announced this week.

The $21.6 million Congestion Relief Grant from the Federal Highway Administration, one of seven awards issued throughout the country, will fund research into ways of reducing driving and encouraging transit use and will help launch a new mobile app that will allow transit riders to book trips across the system in one place. 

The new shuttle network will expand public transit in key Boston neighborhoods, including the Seaport, Charlestown, and Allston-Brighton. The Bluebikes expansion will add nearly 400 new bikes to the system, a quarter of them electric bikes (e-bikes), as well as new stations throughout the system. Approximately half of the new stations will be electrified, allowing e-bikes to recharge while docked, extending their range and reducing their dependency on manual battery swapping. Some existing stations will also be relocated from on-street to off-street sites to enable them to operate year-round.  

The first phase of the work will be to plan specific station locations in existing Bluebikes communities, which includes Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown and Salem. 

“Greater Boston is getting greater bikes,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “I am proud to have led our Congressional delegation in advocating for this $21.6 million for MAPC to expand the Bluebikes network and fill transit gaps in the region, especially for communities that are currently underserved. This federal funding will advance transit equity and reduce carbon emissions by giving more people the option to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other important services without relying on a car.” 

“This $21 million in federal funds will improve our bike infrastructure and fill transit gaps so that Greater Boston has better, cleaner, and safer ways to get around,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I’ve long worked for more federal investment in our transit here in Massachusetts, and I was glad to partner with federal, state, and local partners to bring this grant home to MAPC.” 

“Democrats are on a mission to deliver easier rides for commuters and a more sustainable future for our kids. With this critical funding, we are taking another step forward,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership in improving America’s green infrastructure and better connecting our communities. I am proud to have partnered with them to bring home this win and will continue working to reduce congestion and expand public transit options for all residents.” 

“Bikeshare makes for better commutes and more walkable neighborhoods. I’ll continue working with partners to promote cycling, walking and transit to support vibrant downtowns,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. 

“To unlock a greener, healthier, and more efficient transit future for the Commonwealth, we have to make smart investments targeted at reducing congestion on our roads. That means giving people better options than driving -- from taking the train to biking,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “This $21 million grant will help us make progress toward this goal by giving more people access to bikes than ever before. I'm grateful for the partnership of my colleagues in the federal delegation and to MAPC for their advocacy as we build a transit system that serves everyone.” 

“This new federal investment, which I am proud to have advocated for, will help make our Commonwealth more connected, give commuters more options to access jobs, groceries, and essential services.” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus. “With this new funding, we’ll be moving closer to a just, equitable, and sustainable transit system that our communities deserve. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for this intersectional investment and I’ll continue working to invest in public transit as the public good that it is.” 

“Easing traffic congestion is only possible if we offer accessible alternatives to cars, and this funding makes it possible for us to do so,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank our partners at MAPC for all they have done to advance this project and make our roads better for all residents.” 

“The Congestion Relief Program funding is a huge boost in helping to build the transportation system we have dreamed of, one that is seamless, gives people more travel options, and which launches technology to help people navigate as they take trips,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The funding turns vision into reality, implementing steps to reduce pollution, decrease congestion, and support people who don’t have a car.” 

“This grant will provide more options for people to get around without relying on a car and will make a dent in Boston’s status as one of the most congested cities,” said Eric Bourassa, Director of Transportation at MAPC, the regional planning agency for Greater Boston, which applied for the grant. “We are also excited to see these funds advance research and technology solutions that will improve non-auto travel options and encourage people to use other modes of transportation. 

According to INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard, Boston area drivers lost 88 hours stuck in traffic in 2023. This grant is designed to create a menu of new projects to address that by easing the transition away from single-occupancy vehicles, and increasing the appeal of public transit and micro-mobility options. 

For more information about MAPC’s transportation work throughout Greater Boston, visit mapc.org/transportation.

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