For Immediate Release: 9/6/2023 12:44 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Wednesday the appointment of Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) Commissioner Stephen S. Rolle to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Advisory Board.
Rolle’s appointment follows the departure of Gary Rosen, who most recently represented the city on the board and served as chairperson.
“I am thrilled to appoint Commissioner Rolle to the WRTA Advisory Board given his knowledge and background in the field of transportation, as well as the important role that the Department of Transportation & Mobility will play in shaping Worcester’s transportation system,” said Batista. “I want to thank Gary for his years of service to the board and for being a loyal advocate for the riders.”
Rolle joined the City in 2014 as director of the Division of Planning and Regulatory Services. In 2022, he was named Commissioner of DTM, a new department that leads the planning, prioritization, and design of improvements to Worcester’s streets and transportation network, with an emphasis on improving safety, expanding accessibility for all, and promoting sustainable transportation options.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Advisory Board and new leadership at the WRTA to ensure that public transportation is an accessible, affordable and convenient option for getting to jobs, healthcare, school, and more,” Rolle said. “Improving and expanding public transportation is an essential aspect of the City’s mobility planning in the years to come.”
Rosen, a former At-Large City Councilor, was appointed to represent the city on the WRTA Advisory board by former City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. in January 2020. During his time on the board, Rosen was a vocal advocate for fare-free service.
