This application is to request funding from discretionary awards to the mbta for two projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $159,211 to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) under the Metropolitan Transportation Planning and State and Non-Metropolitan Planning and Research program (CFDA 20.505) on August 21, 2025. This Project Grant funds the design and planning phase of two distinct transportation infrastructure initiatives: the Ashmont Battery Electric Bus (BEB) On-Route Charger and the Wonderland Multimodal Connector Project. The award supports deliverables including design requirements, 30% design packages, and 90% design packages with associated schedules and budgets through the project completion date of December 31, 2027.

For the Ashmont BEB On-Route Charger, the MBTA will design the transit system's first on-route charging facility at Ashmont Busway, incorporating a high-capacity charger with approximately 450 kilowatt transformer capacity and pantograph technology to support battery electric buses from Quincy Bus Garage. The Wonderland Multimodal Connector Project will deliver 30% design and environmental review for a new commuter rail station on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line in Revere, Massachusetts, along with designs for a bike/pedestrian connector linking the new station to the existing Wonderland Blue Line Station. These planning efforts are intended to improve regional connectivity and alleviate congestion along Route 1A and into Boston while supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Activities

Ashmont BEB on-route charger:the scope of this project is to design a high-capacity charger at ashmont busway. The design will include a transformer charging capacity to deliver approx. 450KW and a pantograph. The deliverables include:design requirements and concept (developed internally)30% design package and schedule/BUDGET90% design package and schedule/budgetthis will be the first on-route charger operated by the mbta. Wonderland multimodal connector:the project aims to connect the newburyport/rockport commuter rail line to the mbta blue line at wonderland station. Creating greater regional and local transportation access could alleviate regional congestion for commuters into the city of boston and local congestion along route 1A. Wonderland connector multimodal project includes construction of a new commuter rail station and bike/PED connector in the city of revere. This phase of the project scope will include 30% design and environmental review for a new commuter rail station on the newburyport/rockport commuter rail line a bike/PED connector between the new commuter rail station and the wonderland blue line station and any modifications to the existing wonderland blue line station wonderland station garage and commuter rail right-of-way required to support this connection. Future project phases would include final design and construction. Design deliverables will consist of drawings specifications estimates construction sequencing basis of design report environmental deliverables consistent with mbta policy. Stakeholder engagement will be conducted through the design process. The project will be advertised for planning and design under mbta professional services procurement processes.

Expected outcomes

Ashmont BEB on-route charger:on-route charging will allow the mbta to deploy battery electric buses more flexibly and reduce our reliance on diesel heaters during the winter. At ashmont this facility will allow the mbta to test out usage with existing quincy service that runs through the busway as well as potentially use the charging point to support expanding the electric service run from the new quincy facility to accommodate additional dorchester routes.wonderland multimodal connector:the project will increase the connection and work/education opportunities for residents in the city of revere and the north shore connecting the commuter line and blue line. This has the potential to increase the ridership on both the blue line and newburyport/rockport commuter rail line. The project could also decrease travel time for north shore riders travelling to the airport by eliminating the need to transfer in downtown boston.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents of the mbta service area.