SALEM – Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced today that the City of Salem has been awarded an additional $1 million in funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program, helping to extend operation of the popular Salem Skipper service.
The additional state investment will support continued access to affordable, on-demand transportation for residents, workers, and visitors throughout Salem. Since its launch, the Salem Skipper has provided over 630,000 rides, improving connections to jobs, housing, healthcare, shopping destinations, and regional transit services.
“This new funding will help us continue to offer an affordable and innovative transit solution here in Salem,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “The Salem Skipper helps people get where they need to go affordably and conveniently. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration and MassDOT for their ongoing partnership, and to our City transportation staff for their work to secure this funding. While this grant will enable us to extend the Salem Skipper for a limited amount of additional time, we’re preparing a funding proposal for the City Council’s consideration that would enable it to remain in operation permanently and sustainably. Our goal is to provide an affordable, reliable transportation option that meets the needs of residents and supports our broader mobility goals as a community.”
“Every community deserves affordable, reliable transportation, and that’s exactly what the Salem Skipper provides,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The program is already making a real difference, with tens of thousands of rides helping people get where they need to go at an affordable cost. This funding will build on that success, and we’re proud to partner with Salem to make sure residents have the transportation options they need.”
“As the former mayor of Salem, I know firsthand what a difference a program like the Skipper can make for a community,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This investment is about making sure Salem residents have affordable, convenient transportation options that make it easier to get to work, run errands, and get where they need to go. We’re proud to work with communities on innovative, practical solutions that put people first.”
The new award is intended to help sustain the service, ensuring continued access while the City evaluates the program’s next phase.
The City is currently in the third and final year of its existing contract with Via Transportation, for operating the Salem Skipper. Per state law, the City is required to seek competitive bids for the service, as the current contract with Via approaches its September 30 expiration date. A Request for Proposals was published by the City this Summer and City staff are currently evaluating the responses to select the next operator for the Salem Skipper.
Information about the Salem Skipper, including service areas, hours of operation, and fare information, is available at https://www.salemma.gov/338/
