$110,000 from MassDOT will expand bike and transit programs, enhance commuter safety, and make resources more accessible in one of Boston’s busiest employment hubs 

BOSTON, October 30, 2025 – The Longwood Collective, the chief planner and principal steward of the Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA), has received a $110,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to strengthen and expand sustainable commuting options across one of Boston’s most vital employment districts. 

The grant will allow the Longwood Collective Transportation Management Association (TMA) to scale up programs that make biking, transit, and shared commuting safer, more reliable, and more inclusive for the 73,000 employees and 24,000 students who travel to and through the 213-acre district every day. 

“The Longwood area is home to world-class hospitals, research institutions, and universities—and the people who power them deserve world-class commuting options,” said David Sweeney, CEO of the Longwood Collective. “This funding helps us meet that commitment—by expanding programs that make sustainable transportation accessible, safe, and convenient for everyone.” 

The Longwood Collective TMA serves as a one-stop shop for commuting resources, offering programs such as the Emergency Ride Home program, active commuting incentives, and a new subscription-based bike and scooter rental service. Over the years, support from MassDOT has enabled the Collective to develop initiatives that make sustainable transportation more practical for the Longwood community—from year-round bike repair services and trip-planning apps to improved transit connections within and beyond the district. 

With this new round of funding, the Longwood Collective TMA will launch and expand the following initiatives: 

• Year-round bicycle safety tune-ups and emergency repair services for cyclists.
• New online workshops on safe biking practices, including tips for commuting in winter and inclement weather.
• 24/7 Emergency Ride Home program, providing around-the-clock coverage (expanded from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) to give commuters who choose sustainable modes added peace of mind.
• Continued development of the “Longwood Commutes” mobile app, integrating MBTA, LMA Shuttle, and Bluebikes data to make trip planning easier and more efficient.
• New translation and accessibility efforts, including identifying key language needs and translating commuter resources to better serve Longwood’s diverse workforce. 

Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan, whose district includes Longwood, said in a letter of support for the grant application, “The LMA is a hub for medicine, innovation, and education, as a community they pave the way for so many elements of our city, transportation is no different. The expansion and creation of bike initiatives made possible through this grant will allow the LMA to lead the way once more, this time in sustainable transportation, which is crucial for the betterment of our city and community.” 

These efforts align with the Longwood Collective’s 2022 Transportation Framework, which guides all planning in the district under four principles: transportation that is safe, convenient, and affordable; innovative and world-class; clean and sustainable; and equitable—prioritizing vulnerable users and populations.