Marlborough Mayor Requests Funding for Shuttle Service Connection to MBTA

Marlborough, MA, July 21, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Mayor Arthur G. Vigeant has submitted a request to the City Council to support and fund a new City Shuttle Service that would close the “last mile” gap by connecting various points across the City of Marlborough to the MBTA Southborough commuter rail station.

Mayor Vigeant has requested the transfer of $200,000 from the city’s Economic Development account to the funding account of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which would pay for and manage the project.

The request is in response to ongoing concerns from local residents and companies about the lack of transportation options for commuters to and from Marlborough. The shuttle service would provide public transportation to commuters who live in Boston or Worcester and work in Marlborough, city residents who work in Boston or Worcester and wish to take the train from Southborough, and local senior citizens who need transportation to and from various appointments during the day.

The proposed shuttle service would begin with the use of one 12-passenger handicap-accessible van, which would run 5:00am - 7:30pm from Monday to Friday. The shuttle would initially make three full runs each morning and each evening, stopping at MBTA Southborough, and the Southwest Office Park and provide needed transportation for our seniors from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. There will be no cost to the riders during a one-year trial period.

“It is our goal to create a more functional use of the region’s public transportation system, in order to resolve the 'last mile' conflict, help our local employers attract and retain talent, and provide our residents with an alternative option for their commute,” said Mayor Vigeant.

For the past several years, MEDC has been exploring opportunities to address the need for increased transportation options in the city. In 2015, MEDC conducted a transportation study through the 128 Business Council, which suggested focusing on alternatives, like the Zagster bike share program, as well as looking to solve the “last mile” connection problem.

The shuttle service proposal directly addresses the “last mile” gap. MEDC has already been communicating with the vendor and working to develop the route and schedule.

MEDC executive director, Meredith Harris says the service would help retain and attract employees for major corporations executing business in Marlborough.

“The City Shuttle Service would improve the quality of life for residents and employees commuting in Marlborough, and the greater Marlborough community would benefit by less congestion in the city, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and the addition of two, or more, job opportunities available for qualified residents,” said Harris.

About MEDC:
The Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state chartered economic development corporation for the City of Marlborough, MA and represents a public-private partnership for planning. MEDC works with municipal and private investors to foster economic development, job growth and community revitalization.

For a complete overview of MEDC, visit MarlboroughEDC.com.