“A Big Step in the Right Direction”: Regional Public Transportation Gets a Boost
On July 26, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a budget providing $88 million in funding for the state's Regional Transit Authorities, which provide a lifeline for people living in Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, New Bedford and towns in between.
They don’t get the attention of Greater Boston’s MBTA system, but they deliver over 32 million rides a year—and now they’re getting an infusion of new funds, thanks in part to MASSPIRG advocacy.
On July 26, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a budget providing $88 million in funding for the state’s Regional Transit Authorities, which provide a lifeline for people living in Springfield, Worcester, Lowell, New Bedford and towns in between. The funds will help avert service cuts on bus routes throughout the state.
“This is a big step in the right direction, but is just the beginning,” said MASSPIRG Staff Attorney Matt Casale. “Moving forward, we need to expand and streamline public transit throughout the Commonwealth.”
MASSPIRG was joined by more than 20 organizations in signing a letter to Gov. Baker, urging him to approve the funding.
Photo: Public transportation protects the environment and allows more citizens to travel with ease. Credit: Pi.1415926535 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
