MWRTA and other regional buses hope for level funding next year. Why that may not happen

BOSTON — House leaders plan to maintain regional transit authorities’ funding into next year — despite cuts suggested in Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget.

The governor’s spending proposal for fiscal 2025, which begins July 1, includes a $15 million cut to programs that support non-MBTA state transportation services, including the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority. But the House Committee on Ways and Means' recommendation unveiled last week kept intact the previous total of $184 million set aside for regional transit.

"Ensuring that the Commonwealth is equipped with a safe and reliable public transportation system is critical for the prosperity of our residents and communities, and will be vital in our future efforts to grow the economy," House Speaker Ron Mariano said in a statement.

'Shutdowns have been reversed': MWRTA Administrator Jim Nee wants to expand, needs more drivers

Healey's proposal suggested moderate spending across many state programs for fiscal 2025, as this year’s monthly tax receipts have repeatedly fallen short of forecasts.

Governor's office is wary of a 'tightening fiscal environment'

Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz said a balanced budget plan was necessary in the state’s “tightening fiscal environment.”

“This budget responsibly controls spending and limits growth without jeopardizing the progress and impact we’ve been able to make over the past year,” Gorzkowicz said in a statement about the Healey’s plan, which included a $15 million cut to one of the funds supporting regional transit authorities such as those in MetroWest, the Merrimack Valley and Greater Worcester.

'Uber for public transit': New MWRTA program launches in Hudson, Marlborough

That $90 million fund was a new addition to the fiscal 2024 budget. It was created with revenue from Massachusetts' recently established "Fair Share Amendment" — also referre to as the "millionaires tax" — and included investments in improving regional transit infrastructure, affordability and accessibility.

Jim Nee, administrator of the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, said the new funding made a “dynamic shift” in his agency’s finances this year.

Increased resources from the state “helped to stabilize our long-term operating budget and is allowing us to increase services for those who need it most,” he said in an interview.

MWRTA seeks to grow its off-hours services, boost shuttle frequency

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority expanded service to evenings and weekends this year. Nee said his next goal is to grow these off-hour services and increase bus and shuttle frequency along weekday routes.

The Fair Share Amendment fund for regional transit operation and improvements was meant to be spent over two years. But the state estimates that only $3.2 million will be left by the end of fiscal 2024, which is June 30, according to a Massachusetts Department of Transportation statement sent to the Daily News.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership, a group of public and private organizations that advocates for economic growth in the region, has lobbied for increased state funding for regional transit authorities.

Executive Director Jason Palitsch said expanding local transportation services can attract employers and employees to the area, much of which isn’t reached by MBTA buses or subways.

“For employers, the business community, looking to entice potential workers to come to the region, transit opportunities are an attraction,” Palitsch said in an interview. For local transit agencies, “the ability to know that they can count on a stable, robust level of funding is important to innovating and to maintaining services.”

House Ways & Means chair says transportation, education remain priorities

The House Ways & Means and governor’s budget proposals each outlined a reduced rate of overall state spending growth compared to previous years. But House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said in a statement that investing in transportation and education remain top priorities.

“These sectors are two of the main drivers of our economy, and the additional infusion of funds into these areas will help propel the commonwealth forward,” Michlewitz said in a letter released alongside his committee’s budget proposal.

The House Ways & Means budget also includes a sharp increase in spending toward the MBTA. The full House debate is scheduled to begin April 24 — before representatives send a new draft to the Senate for approval.

Palitsch said investing in transportations aligns with the state’s broader goals to address recent financial hardship.

“Transportation is essential for a healthy economy,” Palitsch said. “If you don't have a robust transportation system, your economy is going to struggle to grow.”

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: MWTRA, regional transit agencies face big budget cut next year