MARLBOROUGH – The city’s commuter shuttle service has been given a boost.
During the City Council meeting on Nov. 7, Mayor Arthur Vigeant and the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced that the city has received a grant of $250,000 from MassDevelopment’s Taxi & Livery Partnership Program.
The funds will be used to continue funding the shuttle service, which consists of one 12-passenger van that makes three round trips in the morning and three round trips in the evening.
According to a release from the mayor’s office, “Ridership has steadily increased and is stronger than pre-Covid days.”
“It’s good to see the ridership increase,” said Councilor Mark Oram.
The complimentary service, which is conducted during morning and evening rush hours, connects the Apex Center off Route 20 and the “Marlborough Hills” business center park on Forest Street to the MBTA commuter rail station in Southborough.
“This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester,” said Vigeant.
The shuttle is also used for mid-day runs to transport seniors to and from the Senior Center for activities and grocery store runs.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the MEDC for their diligence in procuring this available funding and Mass Development for their continued support,” said Vigeant.
The grant agreement must be signed and returned to MassDevelopment and to the governor’s office. It will also be subject to review by MassDevelopment before the funds are disbursed.
The City Council approved the grant.
Other votes
Councilors also approved a $2 million grant from the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Department of Housing and Community Development and Mass. Development Finance Agency through the FY23 Community One Stop for Growth program awarded to the Department of Public Works to be used to reconstruct a one-mile section of Cedar Hill Street.
Kosa Dispensary, located at 505 Boston Post Road West, was given approval from the City Council to expand its hours to Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The council also approved a modification of a special permit for 661 Boston Post Road East. Instead of a bank, Aubuchon Realty Company Inc. may now build a stand-alone Chipotle restaurant with a drive-through.
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