NEW: City Breaks Ground on new Transportation Hub
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Worcester's new WRTA hub will be at Union Station.
Local and state officials celebrated what is being looked at as both a key part of the revitalization of downtown Worcester and a win for the rest of the state.
"It is imperative that we invest in Regional Transportation Authorities across the entire Commonwealth to help drive economic development and improve the lives of all residents in Massachusetts," Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said. "Today’s groundbreaking for the WRTA will support immediate job creation and develop a more centralized and enhanced transportation system for Worcester and the region."
The new WRTA’s new digs – the facility will measure 14,000 square feet – will serve as a central transportation facility that will support and encourage connections between other various modes of transportation which are already located at Union Station, providing easier accessibility to numerous destinations.
Approximately 230 buses will arrive and depart Union Station during the course of the day, which represents a significant increase in foot traffic at Union Station. There will be a direct connection down Front Street to link City Hall and Union Station.
U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern said building a new transportation center is a sensible move.
"The relocation of the WRTA offices and downtown transfer station to Union Station makes perfect sense,” he said. “This move will help make Union Station a true intermodal transportation hub. It’s good news for passengers and for economic development in the City.”
The building will house the WRTA’s administrative offices and its customer service center. Included in the design is a new bus pavilion with an enclosed public waiting area as well as restroom facilities, ticket vending machines and eight bus slips. The design will incorporate green building energy concepts and new, state-of-the-art technology.
"This is an opportunity for the WRTA to improve service and access for its patrons and to increase public transit ridership on our city buses," said Worcester City Manager Michael V. O’Brien, vice chair of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board.
The project is expected to be finished by spring 2013.
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