MART: NEMT Broker Guide for Transportation Providers

MART (Montachusett Regional Transit Authority) is one of two Massachusetts regional transit authorities contracted by the state as a Human Service Transportation broker, coordinating MassHealth NEMT trips across 286 of the state's 351 communities. This guide covers how to become a MART transportation provider, what the application requires, and what to expect in the network.

For most riders, MART is a public transit agency. For non-emergency medical transportation providers in Massachusetts, it's something more important: one of the two brokers that control access to MassHealth trip volume statewide. Contracting with MART means recurring Medicaid trips and long-term work across most of the state.

Contents:

• MART History
• Where MART Operates
• How to Become a MART NEMT Provider
• MART Requirements for NEMT Providers
• Why Work with MART?

MART History

MART was established in August 1978 under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 161B to provide public transportation in the Montachusett region of North Central Massachusetts, serving communities including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Athol, and Winchendon. Over time it expanded into transportation brokerage, and in July 2021 the state consolidated its Human Service Transportation (HST) brokerage into two operators: MART took Regions 1 and 2 (western and northeastern Massachusetts) and GATRA took Region 3.

Today MART's brokerage division manages HST services for 286 of 351 Massachusetts communities, about 82% of the state, serving nearly 29,000 HST consumers. Beyond MassHealth, MART brokers trips for the Department of Developmental Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Its network includes roughly 350 contracted transportation providers employing close to 5,000 drivers.

Where MART Operates

MART's brokerage covers nine Massachusetts counties: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Eligible MassHealth members with a valid PT-1 form schedule trips through MART, and trips are assigned to contracted providers through a low-cost bid system.

How to Become a MART NEMT Provider

Note the timing first: MART does not accept new provider applications between May 1 and July 31 each year. Applications reopen August 1.

To qualify, you must have owned and operated your own passenger transportation service for at least one year and hold a contract with a facility or vendor, such as a nursing home, hospital, DayHab program, or school system. The process:

• Review the HST Transportation Provider Performance Standards and MART's additional performance standards.
• Create an account and submit the online application (MART accepts applications only through its online platform).
• Pass credentialing, insurance, and licensing verification. MART typically makes a determination within a week of receiving a complete application.
• Sign the MART brokerage contract and complete onboarding, including setup on the QRyde portal and mobile apps, which contracted providers are required to use for MassHealth trips.

Apply here: hstrides.mrta.us/vendors/become-a-transportation-provider/

Application questions: BrokerageBus@mrta.us

Brokerage Division phone: (978) 353-0333

MART Requirements for NEMT Providers

Typical requirements include:

• Active business license and tax identification number
• At least one year owning and operating your own transportation service
• Commercial auto insurance meeting Massachusetts requirements
• Vehicle inspections and valid registrations
• National criminal background checks and CORI checks per EOHHS policy
• Consumer sensitivity training for all employees
• Defensive driving and child seat securement certification for drivers, plus wheelchair securement for chair-car vendors
• ADA-accessible vehicles for wheelchair transportation
• HIPAA compliance and MassHealth service quality standards

Why Work with MART?

MART controls MassHealth trip flow across most of Massachusetts, so a single contract opens access to recurring Medicaid volume in nine counties. As a public regional transit authority, it offers the stability of a state-backed program, and its bid system lets providers compete for trips that fit their fleet and service area.

RouteGenie NEMT software supports integration with leading NEMT brokers, helping providers streamline trip management, dispatching, billing, and compliance from one platform. Contact us to learn how RouteGenie can support your MART operations.