MassDevelopment, MAPC award over $2.5 Million to help cities, towns and organizations expand transportation service capacity through contracts with taxi and livery companies

MassDevelopment, in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), has awarded $2,543,883 in funding to 47 cities and towns, municipal agencies, regional transit authorities, nonprofits, and health and human service providers through the Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program, an operational subsidy program aimed at expanding transportation service capacity through contracts with licensed taxi or livery businesses.

Administered by MAPC, these grants will help communities supplement existing transportation options, create new programs to transport individuals to work, grocery stores, non-emergency medical appointments, and other destinations, and facilitate delivery of essential supplies such as food and medicine to residents in need. The Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program is funded by MassDevelopment’s allocation from the Commonwealth’s Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund.

“The Baker-Polito Administration commends MassDevelopment and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for utilizing the state’s Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund to help communities augment local transit with taxi and livery services to get residents where they need to go,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “These awards will provide a boost to an industry in need while filling gaps in the state’s transportation network.”

“Getting the most fragile Massachusetts residents to work, grocery stores, medical appointments, shelters, and other critical destinations and creating new business for taxi and livery companies makes these grants special in the time of COVID-19,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment is proud to put resources from our allocation of the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund to work to benefit both the taxi and livery industry and our communities, and we thank the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for partnering with us to administer the program.”

“The pandemic has stressed many transit systems, senior shuttles and other shared rides,” said MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen. “These grants will provide a critical resource to help municipalities and human service organizations to fill the gaps and ensure that people can get to work, shop for food and attend medical appointments. We are so pleased to have the folks who drive cabs and livery vehicles step up to provide these critical services, especially in these difficult times.”

The Commonwealth’s Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund was created by An Act Regulating Transportation Network Companies, which Governor Baker signed into law in August 2016 and is supported by a 20-cent assessment on every transportation network company ride in Massachusetts. One-quarter of the Fund is being designated to MassDevelopment to provide financial assistance to small businesses operating in the taxicab, livery, or hackney industries.

MassDevelopment is using one-third of its allotment from the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund to support the Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program. In response to COVID-19, in April 2020 MAPC launched an early version of this program, the Urgent COVID-19 Taxicab, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program, to facilitate urgent transportation and delivery needs for vulnerable populations during the pandemic; in November 2020, MassDevelopment and MAPC awarded $1,003,978 through the program to 25 cities and towns, municipal agencies, regional transit authorities, and health and human services transportation providers.

MassDevelopment is using the remaining two-thirds of its allotment from the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund to support the Taxi & Livery Business Support Grant Program, which offers taxi and livery operators financial assistance to secure products or services that will aid in improving their competitiveness and enhancing safety capabilities in the rapidly evolving market of for-hire transportation. In December 2020, the agency awarded 85 grants totaling $4,465,619 through the first round of the program to support 104 small businesses operating in the taxi and livery industries and two taxi and livery industry associations.

The following cities, towns, and organizations received funding from Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program:

Town of Acton – $30,000
The town is using this award to contract with Rides by Joanne, LLC and C&L Air Limo, Inc. to supplement CrossTown Connect service by facilitating transportation to destinations within 25 miles of Acton.

African Community Economic Development of New England – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Fshire Cab, Inc., Hudeifa Trans, Inc., Surad M, Inc., A Zamzam, Inc., Boston Livery Service, and Ride In Style, Inc. to facilitate transportation for individuals from various East African refugee and immigrant communities throughout Greater Boston.

Arlington Council on Aging – $28,080
The organization is using this award to contract with Arlington Taxi/ArlBel Transportation and Arlington Green Cab to facilitate transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, personal hygiene appointments, social visits, and Council on Aging programs and activities for older adults, replacing the organization’s volunteer program.

Bay State Community Services – $5,250
The organization is using this award to contract with Shore Transit to facilitate transportation to medical and non-medical appointments for behavioral health clients unable to use public transportation due to mental or physical disability, age, or risk factors for contracting COVID-19. 

Belmont Council on Aging – $7,880
The organization is using this award to contract with Yellow Cab of Belmont to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation for seniors to destinations beyond the service area of the Council on Aging’s existing transportation program.

Blackstone Valley Education Hub (Central MA Center for Business and Enterprise) – $35,500
The organization is using this award to contract with All Points Limousine (All Points Coach) to facilitate transportation for recently released prison inmates to training facilities and job placement programs.

Boston Public Health Commission – $177,000
The organization is using this award to contract with 63 taxi companies to facilitate transportation for individuals experiencing homelessness and living in shelters, transportation for frontline emergency shelter staff, non-emergency medical transportation for individuals who cannot travel via public transit, and deliveries of food and medicine for individuals unable or not advised to travel.

Town of Bridgewater Council on Aging – $40,000
The organization is using this award to contract with A&A Metro Transportation to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation and transportation to grocery stores and pharmacies for seniors; transportation to grocery stores and off-campus educational opportunities for Bridgewater State University students and essential workers; last-mile transportation to the MBTA commuter rail station; deliveries of food and medicine to individuals quarantining, at-risk, or COVID-19 positive; and deliveries of food to food-insecure households.

Brookline Council on Aging – $6,584
The organization is using this award to contract with Modern Ride to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation during hours and to destinations that Council on Aging vans cannot serve, including Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and the VA Hospital in West Roxbury.

Cambridge Health Alliance – $150,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Green Cab Company, Inc. to facilitate transportation to medical appointments and food pantries for vulnerable, high-risk, and underserved patients in the organization’s primary service area.

Cape Ann Transportation Authority – $40,632
The organization is using this award to contract with Gloucester Taxi & Livery, Soughtafter Transportation, Camme Transportation, and Caring Choice Transportation to support and expand existing voucher programs managed by local social service agencies and expand transportation for out-of-town medical appointments managed by local Councils on Aging.

City of Chelsea – $130,000
The city is using this award to contract with E-Z Transportation LLC, Teambuild Inc., Soughtafter Transportation, and HBSS Connect Corp to expand an existing emergency food distribution system to serve vulnerable families afflicted with COVID-19.

Clinton Council on Aging – $15,600
The organization is using this award to contract with Clinton Livery, Inc. to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation for seniors to out-of-town locations not served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority and current Council on Aging vans.

Cohasset Elder Affairs – $5,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Seaside Transport to facilitate supplemental transportation for seniors to grocery stores, medical appointments, and other destinations.

Town of Egremont, in coordination with the towns of Alford and Mt. Washington – $23,940
The town is using this award to contract with Bianco’s Limousine & Livery Service, Berkshire Taxi Company, and CRT Inc. Cabulance to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation to out-of-town destinations and other transportation for seniors, including veterans, homebound and disabled individuals, and individuals living alone, to replace the suspended Southern Berkshire Elder Transportation Commission transit.

City of Framingham – $43,500
The city is using this award to contract with Tommy’s Taxi to facilitate deliveries of emergency food and toiletries to residents in isolation and quarantine as well as homebound and disabled individuals.

Franklin Regional Transit Authority – $150,000
The organization is using this award to contract with C.A.B. Transportation (CTLS Enterprises, Inc.), Community Transportation Services, Gaamha Inc., Hulmes Transportation, MJ Transportation Inc., and Ray’s Van Express to transport employees to jobs in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, specifically targeting second- and third-shift jobs outside of Franklin Regional Transit Authority’s typical hours of service. 

Fuente De Vida Adult Day Care Services, LLC – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Best Ride, Inc. to facilitate transportation to the facility for adults with physical, cognitive, or behavioral health impairments.

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority – $105,000
The organization is using this award to contract with A&A Metro Transportation, Fast Lane Transit – Fast Lane Transportation LLC, First Class Care, and Airport Taxi to supplement the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority’s service for essential and urgent transportation needs and transportation to Boston-area hospitals and veterans’ hospitals located outside of the organization’s service area.

Health and Social Services Consortium, Inc. – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Veteran’s Taxi of Newton LLC and A&A Metro Transportation to facilitate transportation for individuals ages 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who cannot be served by Councils on Aging or by the Last Resort Medical Transportation Program.

Helping our Women Inc. – $15,120
The organization is using this award to contract with Mercedes Cab Company Inc., Town Car Transportation Inc., and Cape Destinations, LLC to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation for women with chronic health conditions living in the Outer Cape towns, replacing volunteer drivers.

Holliston Council on Aging – $34,470
The organization is using this award to contract with Tommy’s Taxi and JFK Transportation to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation and other essential transportation for seniors, supplementing Council on Aging van service.

Hopkinton Council on Aging – $40,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Tommy’s Taxi, JFK Transportation, and JK Services Inc. to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation into Boston, as well as essential shopping trips for seniors, veterans, and individuals with medical issues or disabilities.

Hull Council on Aging – $27,900
The organization is using this award to contract with Seaside Transport to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation and transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other destinations for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The Julie Fund Inc. – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Above All Transportation to facilitate transportation for women to cancer treatment appointments.

La Bella Vida Adult Health Services, LLC – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Best Ride, Inc. to facilitate transportation to the facility for adults with physical, cognitive, or behavioral health impairments.

Town of Lexington – $40,000
The town is using this award to contract with Checker Cab of Woburn and Magan Transport LLC to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation (replacing volunteer drivers) as well as transportation to work during LexPress’ off-hours.

Mass211, Inc. – $40,000
The organization is using this award to contract with County Rainbow Taxi, Inc. to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation and transportation to food pantries and meal programs, job interviews, emergency childcare, the RMV, or court appearances (including housing court) in Berkshire County.

Medford Council on Aging – $85,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Magan Transport LLC to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation, transportation to grocery stores, and deliveries of food for seniors.

City of Methuen – $80,766
The organization is using this award to contract with Methuen High Class Inc. to facilitate deliveries from food pantries and transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transit stations for seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and low-income households.

Mystic Valley Elder Service – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Malden Taxi and Suburban Taxi to facilitate transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores for seniors and adults living with disabilities who are isolated in their communities.

Old Colony YMCA – $71,295
The organization is using this award to contract with A&A Metro Transportation to facilitate transportation for children experiencing homelessness from housing sites to remote learning sites and to licensed daycares, as well as non-emergency medical transportation for families experiencing homelessness.

Open Sky Community Services – $36,800
The organization is using this award to contract with J.C. Rides, Inc. to facilitate transportation from the Oasis residential program in Douglas to substance abuse disorder treatments centers in Webster and Worcester.

People Acting in Community Endeavors Inc. (PACE) – $90,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Yes We Van, LLC to facilitate delivery of groceries by PACE to its food pantry clients in New Bedford and the surrounding area.

City of Revere – $46,800
The city is using this award to contract with Patriots Taxi Company to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation, transportation to stores, polling locations, and workforce development training programs, and food pantry deliveries for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and homebound residents.

Sherborn Council on Aging – $3,600
The organization is using this award to contract with JFK Transportation to facilitate transportation for older adults to grocery stores, medical and personal hygiene appointments, and other destinations.

Shirley Council on Aging – $8,288
The organization is using this award to contract with Destination Express to facilitate transportation to medical appointments outside of the Council on Aging van service’s geographical area and normal service hours, replacing volunteer drivers.

Shrewsbury Council on Aging – $40,000
The organization is using this award to contract with New Worcester Yellow Cab and Safeway Luxury Transportation to supplement Council on Aging van service for seniors and individuals with disabilities that has been reduced due to COVID-19 restrictions, serving early-morning, late-evening, and weekend transportation outside of Council on Aging business hours.

City of Somerville – $85,000
The city is using this award to contract with Green Cab, Inc. to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation and transportation to grocery stores, food pantries, and pharmacies for seniors and individuals with disabilities, as well as deliveries of food, personal protective equipment, and medications to homebound, immunocompromised, and other vulnerable residents.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services – $30,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Green Cab, Inc. to facilitate transportation for older adults and individuals with disabilities to medical appointments and meal sites, transportation for home health aides to shop for clients, transportation for social workers to see clients at home, as well as for deliveries of groceries and medicine.

Springwell – $90,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC to facilitate transportation for seniors. 

Town of Sudbury, in coordination with the towns of Stow, Maynard, and Concord – $100,000
The town is using this award to contract with Tommy’s Taxi and JFK Transportation to facilitate transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, essential workers, and financially and food-insecure residents.

Tri-Valley Inc. – $100,000
The organization is using this award to contract with Blackstone Valley Livery, LLC and JYL Transportation to facilitate transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires – $83,118
The organization is using this award to contract with Berkshire Taxi Company to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation in the Berkshires as well as transportation for individuals to Boston and Springfield.

Wayland Council on Aging – $26,760
The organization is using this award to contract with Tommy’s Taxi and JFK Transportation to facilitate meal deliveries and to transport older adults to medical appointments, food pantries, pharmacies, medical facilities for visits with family members, the Council on Aging, and other destinations.

Town of Weston – $25,000
The town is using this award to contract with JFK Transportation to facilitate non-emergency medical transportation for residents ages 60 and older and individuals with disabilities to appointments in Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Natick, Newton, Roslindale, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston, and, if funding is available, transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other destinations.

Woburn Public Library – $50,000
The organization is using this award to contract with A&A Metro Transportation to establish a book-delivery program for children and adults in Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Woburn.

About MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2020, MassDevelopment financed or managed 341 projects generating investment of more than $2.69 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 10,871 jobs and build or preserve 1,787 housing units.

About Metropolitan Area Planning Council
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston. Its mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Learn more at www.mapc.org. The Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program is available throughout Massachusetts, not only the MAPC region.