For an operating transfer to the regional transit authorities organized under
chapter 161B of the General Laws, or any prior laws, under clause (2) of subsection (d) of
section 2ZZZ of chapter 29 of the General Laws; provided, that each regional transit authority receiving assistance under this item shall deliver not later than January 6, 2023, a copy of its most recent audited financial statement to the chief financial officer of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the secretary of administration and finance, the treasurer of the commonwealth, the comptroller of the commonwealth, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on transportation; provided further, that not less than $2,500,000 shall be expended on grants for means-tested, discounted or fare-free pilot programs to be administered by the regional transit authorities; provided further, that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall oversee the distribution of said grants to the authorities and shall establish grant criteria including, but not limited to, the prioritization of: (i) opportunities for increased ridership; and (ii) low-income individuals; provided further, that grants shall be distributed in a geographically equitable manner; and provided further, that not later than December 31, 2022, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on transportation including, but not limited to: (a) grant criteria used by the department; (b) a list of grant applicants; (c) successful grant applicants; (d) summaries of successful proposals; (e) ridership and fare data for such pilot programs; and (f) details on the mechanisms being utilized to track ridership and fare data for said pilot programs
| | Commonwealth Transportation Fund | ............... | 100% |
