By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – For those in Westborough looking for an alternative to driving their own cars into Boston, the MBTA's commuter rail on Smith Parkway is a great alternative. But if one wishes to take the train into Westborough and then travel to a local business, there are only a few options to get them to their destination. They must have someone pick them up or call a taxi.
Westborough officials have long urged state transportation officials to consider having a shuttle that would go from the station to local office parks and major businesses in town. At the Westborough Economic Development Committee Jan. 8, Steve O”Neil, the administrator of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), said that idea is now a viable possibility this summer.
O”Neil said over the next six months lawmaker will be discussing adding funds to the state's 50 regional transit systems. Adding a Westborough shuttle is part of WRTA's plan, he said.
“We need to build new systems slow, gingerly and smart,” he said. “Part of that plan is the need to acquire new vans and busses. We also need to add operational services.”
The initial plans were to match the shuttles with the heaviest commuting times at the station. If that went well, O”Neil said, possibly more shuttle runs could be added.
The town currently pays $100,000 yearly into the MBTA assessment fund, O”Neil said. As a result, this new service will not cost them additional monies.
