Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority Advisory Boards
The Greater New England Chapter has long been committed to improving accessible transportation options for people with MS and other physical disabilities. In 2006, Governor Romney signed into law a Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board bill filed by the chapter! The RTA bill passage was recognized by a ceremony with the Governor, First Lady Ann Romney, key legislators, chapter staff and volunteers (press release).
Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are the sole providers of public transportation in 231 Massachusetts cities and towns outside of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) District. The Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities (MARTA) represents the network of 15 Regional Transit Authorities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Made up of associate members, including business and non-profit organizations, MARTA oversees the federally funded Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) under contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (EOT).
To learn more about the MARTA and services in your community, visit www.matransit.com.
The law which took effect January 1st 2007 requires each Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Advisory Board to appoint a disabled consumer or their representative to the board within 90 days of the bill signing. Local mayors or town managers are charged with this duty and will rotate appointees from different communities on an annual basis within each RTA.
MS transit riders should be proactive if interested in serving as an appointee or utilizing this appointee to provide feedback to improve accessible transit services in their community. It is your right to be heard!