Moulton, Trahan Announce More Than $7 Million in Federal Funding for Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority Bus Fleet Expansion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced that the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MeVa) has been awarded $7,194,360 through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low- or No-Emission Bus Grant Program for the purchase of new 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses.
The funding, awarded as part of the FY25–26 Low- or No-Emission Program, will allow MeVa to expand its fleet and improve service reliability across the region, strengthening connections between Andover, North Andover, Greater Newburyport, Lawrence, and Haverhill, as well as providing critical links to the commuter rail.
“MeVa may be a small regional transit agency, but it delivers big results,” said Congressman Moulton. “This grant is a game-changer that will help MeVa meet growing demand, improve service across our communities, and give riders a more modern and reliable transit system. MeVa forward-thinking approach has already led to major ridership gains, and this federal investment will help build on that success.”
“Reliable public transit is essential for families, workers, and students across the Merrimack Valley,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “MeVa has shown what is possible when a transit agency puts riders first, and this federal investment will help it keep building a system that people can count on. I am proud to secure this significant federal funding so that communities in Lawrence, Haverhill, and beyond benefit from cleaner, more dependable service for years to come.”
MeVa has earned national recognition for its innovative, rider-centered service model and has seen significant increases in ridership in recent years. As a small regional provider, an award of more than $7 million represents a transformational investment that will allow the agency to meet rising demand and continue improving service quality.
A spokesperson for Merrimack Valley Transit said,"This award is very timely, as it will add six new high-capacity hybrid-electric buses to our fleet, allowing MeVa to meet the growing demand for transit in the high-volume corridor connecting the gateway cities of Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill. The new vehicles will be the first 40-foot transit buses in our history and the largest capacity vehicles in our fleet, which will be ideal for meeting the demand of our burgeoning ridership. The new buses will also be powered by the latest technology Allison eGen Flex Hybrid system, using geofencing to operate solely on electric power in densely populated and high traffic areas, where benefits will be greatest. For all intents and purposes, when in all electric mode, the buses will run as if they were full battery electric vehicles, but without the need for charging infrastructure. Big thanks to Governor Healey and our entire congressional delegation for championing this initiative and supporting the continued investment in MeVa’s innovation!"
The FTA’s Low- or No-Emission Bus Grant Program helps transit agencies purchase and deploy modern, cleaner buses and improve transit facilities. Advanced federal notification of grant opportunities allows communities to prepare strong applications and pursue funding that supports long-term transit expansion and modernization.
###