MassDEP funding opportunity through the Natural Resource Damages Assessment and Restoration Program. The Program assess injuries to natural resources resulting from spills and releases of oil and hazardous materials and substances into the environment, brings claims against responsible parties for monetary damages to compensate the public for these injuries, and plans and implements projects to restore, replace or acquire the equivalent of natural resources and the services that they provide to the environment and the public. 

Over $128,000 is being made available for projects that will restore, replace or acquire natural resources that were injured (including wetlands, surface waters, sediment, shoreline and water quality and the services that these resources provide to humans and ecosystems). Proposed restoration projects must benefit the Chelsea and Mill Creek, and/or the Lower Mystic River watersheds.

Additional information can be found on MassDEP’s website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/natural-resource-damages-program-restoration-funds

U.S. Department of Transportation officially opened the next funding round for the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant, now also called the "Crossing Safety" program.

This grant helps communities advance projects that improve safety and mobility where roads and rail lines intersect, including grade separations, crossing improvements, and even planning for such work. More than $1.1 billion is available in this FY25–26 round and applications are due June 8, 2026 (45-day application window).

You can view the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) here:
https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/fy25-26-railroad-crossing-elimination-program-notice-funding-opportunity

If of interest, please also save the date for a May 6 GoRail webinar on the RCE program featuring the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration, which will provide an overview of this funding round and walk participants through the application process. 

Happy House Budget Week! I am back in your inboxes to announce service changes in May on the Red, Green, Blue, Mattapan, New Bedford/Fall River, Greenbush, Kingston, and Framingham/Worcester lines.  

Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/PlannedWork. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information.   

On the Red Line:  

As previously announced, in May, the MBTA will perform final testing and commissioning work on the Red Line’s new digital signal system, which will strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders. Pre-testing for the new signal system was completed weeks ahead of schedule earlier this month, and this upcoming work is one of the final steps to bringing the new system online. Tamping work will also take place on the Ashmont branch next month.  

To accomplish this work, the following service suspensions will take place: 

• Red Line service will be suspended between Broadway and Quincy Center on the Braintree branch for three consecutive days, May 2 – 4. 

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Broadway and Quincy Center. 
• Regular Ashmont branch service will operate between JFK/UMass and Ashmont, but riders will need to take shuttle bus service between Broadway and JFK/UMass. 
• Accessible van service will be available between Broadway and Quincy Center on Monday, May 4. Riders should see station personnel for assistance. 
• Riders are encouraged to consider Commuter Railservice between South Station and Braintree, which will be free during this service change. Regular fares should be purchased for travel beyond Braintree.  
• Riders using shuttles bus service should budget ample extra travel time. For example, a rider travelling to Park Street from Braintree should budget at least an additional 40 – 50 minutes of travel in additional to their regular commute. 

• Red Line service will be suspended between Broadway and Ashmont on the Ashmont branch beginning at approximately 6 PM on Thursday, May 14, and continuing for the next four consecutive days, May 15 – 18. 

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Broadway and Ashmont. 
• Regular Braintree branch service will operate between JFK/UMass and Braintree, but riders will need to take shuttle bus service between Broadway and JFK/UMass. 
• Riders should note that Mattapan Line service will also be suspended beginning at 6 PM on May 14 and on May 15 – 16. Additional details are below.  
• Accessible van service will be available between Broadway and Ashmont. Riders should see station personnel for assistance. 
• Riders using shuttles bus service should budget ample extra travel time. For example, a rider travelling to Park Street from Ashmont should budget at least an additional 30 – 40 minutes of travel in additional to their regular commute. 

• Red Line service will be suspended between Broadway and Quincy Center on the Braintree branch and Broadway and Ashmont on the Ashmont branch for three consecutive days, May 29 – 31. 

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Broadway and Quincy Center and between Broadway and Ashmont. 
• Riders are encouraged to consider Commuter Railservice between South Station and Braintree. 
• Accessible van service will be available between Broadway and Ashmont as well as Broadway and Quincy Center. Riders should see station personnel for assistance. 
• Riders using shuttles bus service should budget ample extra travel time. For example, a rider travelling to Park Street from Braintree should budget at least an additional 40 – 50 minutes of travel in additional to their regular commute. 

On the Green Line:  

The MBTA will continue the installation of critical Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS) infrastructure on the C and E branches in May. When complete, GLTPS will combine vehicle and wayside equipment to avoid train-on-train collisions, incorporate speed enforcement, and more.   

To accomplish this work, the following service suspensions will take place: 

• Green Line service will be suspended between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle for twelve consecutive days, May 6 – 17.  

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will replace service between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. 
• Shuttle bus service will not be available at Saint Mary’s Street, Kent Street, or Brandon Hall in both directions. Riders should instead utilize shuttle bus service at the next nearest stop. 
• Additional service will be added to the Green Line D branch during this time period. Riders who board or disembark at Cleveland Circle are encouraged to instead utilize D branch service at Reservoir, which is 0.1 miles away (or about a two- to three-minute walk),  
• Riders using shuttles bus service should budget ample extra travel time. For example, a rider travelling to Government Center from Cleveland Circle should budget at least an additional XXminutes of travel in additional to their regular commute. 

• Green Line service will be suspended between Government Center and Heath Street on the E branch for seven consecutive days, May 30 – June 5. 

• Riders can instead utilized parallel Route 39 bus service, which will be enhanced with additional service.  

On the Blue Line: 

During one weekend in May, the MBTA will continue essential infrastructure upgrades, track renewal, and other critical revitalization work on the Blue Line. This regular, planned renewal and revitalization work is ongoing and continuous, ensuring the long-term stability of our infrastructure and preserving the system for future generations of riders. 

To accomplish this work, the following service suspensions will take place: 

• Blue Line service will be suspended between Bowdoin and Airport during the weekend of May 9 – 10. 

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops at Airport, Maverick, and Haymarket for Orange and Green Line connections in the downtown area.   

On the Mattapan Line: 

In May, there will be a weekend Mattapan service change to perform critical power work within the MBTA’s Codman Yard facility.  

To accomplish this work, the following service suspensions will take place: 

• Mattapan Line service will be suspended between Ashmont and Mattapan beginning at approximately 6 PM on Thursday, May 14, and for the next two consecutive days, May 15 – 16.  

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will replace service between Ashmont and Mattapan. 

On the New Bedford/Fall River, Greenbush, and Kingston Commuter Rail Lines: 

The MBTA will perform critical maintenance work on the Old Colony Lines during weekends in April. This regular, planned renewal and revitalization work is ongoing and continuous, ensuring the long-term stability of our infrastructure and preserving the system for future generations of riders. 

To accomplish this work, the following service suspension will take place: 

• New Bedford/Fall River, Greenbush, and Kingston Line service will be suspended between South Station and Braintree (including at Quincy Center) during the weekend of May 9 – 10.  

• Passengers should instead utilize Red Line subway service between South Station and Braintree (via Quincy Center) for Commuter Rail connections beyond Braintree or Quincy Center. 
• Riders traveling to/from South Station should budget extra travel time. For example, a rider traveling to South Station from Braintree should budget at least 15 minutes of travel in addition to their regular trip time. 
• A dedicated diversion schedule will be available on com/CR. 

On the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line: 

The MBTA will perform critical infrastructure work on the Framingham/Worcester Line during one weekend in May.  

To accomplish this work, the following service suspension will take place: 

• Framingham/Worcester Line service will be suspended between Worcester and Grafton during the weekend of May 16 – 17. 

The MBTA previously announced service changes in April. More information is available here.   

For immediate release:  

April 16, 2026

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Reminds Residents to Beware of Fraudulent Text Messages

Do not open links in messages which request payment

or other information 

MassDOT will never send a text with a link for payment

of tolls or traffic violations 

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding residents to beware of fraudulent text messages which ask for payment for tolls or violations by using a link sent to a person’s cell phone.  MassDOT divisions will never ask for payment at a link imbedded into a text message.  

“If you receive a text message telling you to make a payment or that you need to act quickly, do not click the link. We continue to hear disturbing accounts from the public that a text message scam is continuing,” said Colleen Ogilvie, Registrar of Motor Vehicles.  “The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will never ask for payment at a link in a text.  Recipients should immediately delete text messages saying fines are owed, licenses and registration will be revoked, or a collection agency is being notified – these are deceitful and fraudulent messages.”

Attempts have been made in Massachusetts, and several others states to trick individuals into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information, directing them to websites to pay outstanding balances. The RMV and MassDOT Highway Division strongly encourage customers not to click links contained in such messages.  Unfortunately, scam artists have evolved to using more believable words and phrases in their fraudulent messages, including, “Per order of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles,” and “This document constitutes a formal final demand for payment.”  These communications are all fraudulent and should be deleted immediately.

Some of the scam texts reference a false regulation that allows for license suspension of vehicle registration revocation, and convey a sense of urgency and date deadline, with a link to submit payment. MassDOT divisions never request payment via text.  Registry of Motor Vehicles customers should go to Mass.Gov/RMV for online RMV services and information about their credentials and vehicle owners should contact EZDriveMA if they have questions at www.EZDriveMA.com.

While EZDriveMA will utilize text messages to notify account holders regarding issues with their account, such as a low prepaid balance, a declined or expired credit card on file, or a malfunctioning transponder, these messages direct customers to the EZDriveMA Customer Service Center, and do not include links. EZDriveMA will never request payment via text.

Scammers will sometimes create links that mimic the names and URLs of official websites. Customers should only use Mass.Gov/RMV for online RMV services and only use www.EZDriveMA.com for the payment of tolls owed for travel on Massachusetts roadways.

April is designated as National Safe Digging Month, and National Grid is reminding anyone planning on digging to call 811 to prevent damage to underground utilities or even injuries or property damage. Before digging for any size project whether planting new bushes or trees, installing mailboxes, or building a shed or deck call to 811 is critical to know what is below before digging. Dig Safe is a free service to use and National Grid remains committed to emphasizing the program’s importance to avoid damages or service outages in local communities.

Each year, damages to buried utilities cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion in repairs and societal impacts.  While backhoes are the #1 tool used when buried utilities are damaged, shovels are #2 meaning even small projects can have big impacts. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. It's not only the safe and smart thing to do – it's the law. Failure to call 811 may be punishable by fines, which can be as high as $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent violations. A call to 811 is the best safeguard and the first line of defense for preventing strikes on underground utility lines.

Utility lines must be appropriately marked in each previously marked location to avoid risk but their depth can vary due to factors like erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces. National Grid works closely with local fire and police departments; with their strong support, people are calling before they dig. Calling 811 can avoid an incident that requires police and fire response.

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury or death, inconvenient service disruptions, and costly fines and repairs. Hitting underground gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines while digging can have a major impact on communities and businesses.

•  Making a free request before digging online at http://www.811beforeyoudig.com/ or by calling 811 will help everyone who digs maintain essential utility service for their communities.

As part of National Safe Digging Month, National Grid encourages everyone to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring:

Plan ahead. Always contact 811 before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property. 

• Massachusetts law requires you to contact Dig Safe at least 72 business hours in advance in advance of projects requiring excavation.

• Confirm that all lines have been marked.  
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor contacted 811. Do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked. 
• Visit www.811beforeyoudig.com for complete information.
• The service is easy to use and free of charge.

Additional Resources:

• Massachusetts: Call 811 or 1-888-DIG-SAFE (344-7233) | digsafe.com
• When It Comes to 811, There’s No Kidding Around – National Grid Safety video

National Grid will host a series of statewide Customer Assistance events during April 2026, with advocates visiting every region within the utility’s Massachusetts footprint. As the weather warms up, customers can still get help managing their energy bills, including support with costs from the winter months and planning ahead for future usage.

In addition, National Grid reminds customers that applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, will close on April 30, 2026. Customers can find eligibility criteria and the program application on the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program website or they can connect with a local Fuel Assistance Agency for help with the process.

The statewide events are part of the utility’s commitment to helping customers manage bill impacts. National Grid’s Customer Service Specialists experts will be on hand to manage seasonal energy bills and explore cost-saving programs to meet each customer’s needs, highlighting programs such as:

• National Grid’s Payment Assistance Bundle;
• Budget Billing;
• The Energy Discount Rate (for qualifying customers);
• Home energy assessments; and
• Information on other energy efficiency opportunities for homes or businesses.

These events are free and are a core part of National Grid’s broader commitment to affordability and reliability. Customers can find information about upcoming sessions on our Customer Assistance webpage or learn more about managing winter energy bills at ngrid.com/hereforyou. They can also request assistance by calling 1-800-233-5325.

Additional Customer Assistance Information

Help with Managing Energy Bills:

National Grid is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve. We recognize that affordability is a significant concern, and National Grid offers various programs and services to help customers save energy, manage their bills, and access financial assistance. It is not too late to explore programs that help manage energy costs, including signing up for a Payment Assistance Bundle. The bundle combines three helpful solutions to make it easier for managing energy costs and paying down past due amounts over a 12-month period.

• Deferred Payment Agreement: Spread out past-due balance into future monthly payments.
• Automatic Monthly Payments: Automatically deduct payments from your bank account each month and avoid missing due dates.
• Budget Plan: Break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan expenses.

Customers interested in enrolling in the Payment Assistance Bundle can do so online by visiting ngrid.com/hereforyou, at an in-person event, or by calling 1-800-233-5325.

• Budget Billing: Allows customers to spread their usual payment over twelve balanced monthly payments to help offset the traditionally high winter heating and summer air conditioning peak bills. Doing so makes it easier to anticipate monthly energy costs and plan household budgets. Additional information can be found here. 
• Discount Rates: Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit the Discount Rate application to determine eligibility and apply.
• Heat Pump Rate: National Grid introduced a new Residential Heat Pump Rate November 1st to help electric customers save during the winter heating season. Qualified customers who use heat pumps for home heating will receive a reduced delivery rate on electricity from November through April, lowering monthly costs. Customers who think they qualify but did not receive an enrollment confirmation should visit ngrid.com/heatpumprate to fill out the enrollment form to apply and ensure they receive the discount.

The application period for MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grant Program opened today. The SMRP is designed to increase the diversion of materials from the solid waste stream through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting programs and to decrease the toxicity of the waste treat through household hazardous waste diversion and use of environmentally preferred products.

Municipalities and regional government entities (e.g. regional planning authorities, regional solid waste districts, and regional recycling cooperatives) are eligible to apply. Grant applications are due by 11:59 PM on June 1, 2026. The following six SMRP grant categories are being offered in the 2026 cycle, with more information on the categories available on MassDEP’s website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-sustainable-materials-recovery-program-smrp-municipal-grant.

• Drop-off Recycling Equipment
• Food Waste Collection Carts
• Pay-As-You-Throw Program Funds
• Recycling Dividends Program
• Regional Small-Scale Initiatives
• Waste Reduction/Organics Capacity/Permanent Hazardous Household Waste Facility Project Proposals

A virtual information session for interested applications will be held on April 2, 2026 and questions from interested applicants must be submitted to MassDEP by May 1, 2026:

• Applicants can register for the information session here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9VolrqE6RsOeIMShCZ9F1w#/registration.  

Applicant questions should be submitted here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7KhMNn3Cxm89LhyiVrkttmXxUODVMMVQ5WkJTTTdWQTRWMDRVUUhETU0xMS4u&route=shorturl

Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of summer fare promotions and discounts on the MBTA Commuter Rail to lower costs for riders, support regular commuters and encourage more people to choose public transportation as Massachusetts prepares for a busy season of major events across the state. The following fare promotions will be available through June, July and August 2026:  

Free Summer Fridays

All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August 2026, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 

50% Discount on Monthly Commuter Rail Passes

Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50%. This discount applies to full fare and reduced fare monthly passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzone 1 through 10, and Commuter Ferry passes. This discount will not apply to Zone 1A passes. All non-calendar month Commuter Rail products (for example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes) will remain at their standard prices. 

Expanded Weekend Travel for Monthly Pass Holders

Monthly Commuter Rail passes will be valid for travel to any zone on weekends. Zone 1 through 10 pass holders may travel through Zone 10, and Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 

$1 Weekend “Summer Companion” Fare for Commuter Rail Monthly Pass Holders

Monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each way. This offer is limited to one companion per pass holder. Regular fares will remain in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxboro.  

To support increased ridership during the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust Commuter Rail schedules in June and July, including expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Boston Stadium. 

The MBTA recognizes these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. These fare discounts are intended to offset those impacts, support regular riders, and encourage more people to choose transit during a busy summer season and beyond.