Also announces a new initiative, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles program, which will provide rebates of up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick celebrated the launch of a new fully-electric transit bus fleet at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). Gov. Patrick also announced new investments in two programs designed to support alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure across Massachusetts.
“We are committed to using innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster our energy independence and grow our clean energy economy,” said Gov. Patrick. “The WRTA’s new fleet is an example of how we are accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicles throughout Massachusetts to reduce harmful pollutants and promote a more sustainable environment for future generations.”
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The WRTA purchased six Proterra plug-in, all-electric buses with more than $7 million in federal funds and matching state funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The buses represent the largest fleet of Proterra all-electric buses in the nation.
Gov. Patrick also announced a new initiative, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles program, which will provide rebates of up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
All residents of the Commonwealth are eligible to receive incentives on vehicles registered in Massachusetts; these incentives will be funded with $2 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction proceeds.
Governor Patrick also awarded nearly $600,000 in Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) grants to 16 municipalities, two public universities and colleges and one state agency for the acquisition of plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles and the installation of Level 2 charging stations.
This is the second round of grant awards through MassEVIP since its launch last year.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
