Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities (MARTA)

MARTA Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities

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 Masssachusetts. 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).

The mission of Regional Transit Authorities is to promote and provide quality public transportation that answers the specific need of particular service areas.

In 1973, the Massachusetts State Legislature produced Chapter 161B of the Massachusetts General Laws to prevent the creation of centrally controlled agencies similar to the MBTA. In doing so, Chapter 161B recognized the individual needs of cities and towns within the Commonwealth and acknowledged the importance of local control over transportation services. Chapter 161B safeguards the empowerment of cities and towns through a series of checks and balances that clearly illustrate the powers and duties of RTAs, including requirements relating to financing, contracting, and the issuance of bonds. Within the framework of Chapter 161B, the role given to the state (EOT and EOAF) maintains the balance of state and local control in the delivery of public transit services.

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