Marlborough, MASS. Aug 27, 2019 – A free shuttle bus service that will connect local commuters to the MBTA Southborough train station will begin transporting riders on September 16, 2019.

Backed by a combination of state and city funding, the free service will begin with the use of a 12-passenger handicap-accessible van, which will run 5:30am-7:30pm from Monday to Friday. The shuttle will initially make three full runs each morning and each evening, stopping at MBTA Southborough, Marlborough Hills and the Apex Center of New England. There will be a designated area within Marlborough Hills, where shuttle riders can park their cars.

Local seniors and veterans will be able to use the bus through the Marlborough Council on Aging between 9:30am and 3:30pm. 

The cost of the service will be complimentary for local residents and employees during a one-year trial period, which could be extended based on the success of the program. In order to ensure they get a seat, riders will be required to pre-register at http://marlboroughedc.com/shuttle and show proof of residence when boarding at Marlborough Hills. 

The city is launching the shuttle in response to ongoing concerns from local residents and companies about the lack of transportation options for commuters to and from Marlborough. The Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC ), which will manage the service, has been exploring opportunities to address the need for increased local transportation options for the past several years. 

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. Mayor Arthur Vigeant and MEDC say the shuttle service will address the latter by providing public transportation to commuters who live in Boston or Worcester and work in Marlborough and city residents who work in Boston or Worcester and want to take the train from Southborough.

“We are very happy to receive the support of the state and our City Council, in order to make this project a reality,” said Mayor Vigeant. “This service will create a more functional use of the region’s public transportation system, resolve the “last mile” conflict, help our local employers attract and retain talent, and provide our residents with an alternative option for their commute.” 

“It is exciting to see the city take such an innovative approach towards solving the “last mile” connection problem,” said MEDC executive director, Meredith Harris. “Besides improving the quality of life for residents and employees commuting to and from Marlborough, this new shuttle service will also make the city more accessible to talent from outside the area.”

For more information on the commuter shuttle program and to register your interest to ride the bus, go to: http://marlboroughedc.com/shuttle. 

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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.

For press inquiries, contact:
Lora Markova 
Communications Director, MEDC
press@marlboroughedc.com
617 513 1324