Tucked into the state Senate’s $41.49 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year was $125,000 worth of funding that is planned on being used to increase public transportation between Burlington and Lowell. The money will be used as part of the Middlesex3 Transportation Association’s plans to expand the transportation options throughout the corridor, and will be aimed at establishing an evening shuttle service between the two communities. The Middlesex3 is a coalition of towns around Route 3 that work together to promote economic development in the corridor.
“Currently, there are hundreds of new restaurant and retail jobs available in Burlington and Lowell, but no consistent public transportation to and from both destinations,” state Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, said in a press release. “Funding for shuttle transportation services would help connect potential employees to available jobs, supporting working families and energizing our regional economy.”