For Immediate Release: 4/12/2024 12:34 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – Mayor Joseph M. Petty and City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Friday a working group that will focus on the ongoing needs of an efficient commuter rail system for the City of Worcester.
“Efficient and multiple express trains to Boston is a must if the City of Worcester will continue to grow and prosper. We are quickly becoming an alternative to people who are priced out of the Boston real estate market,” Mayor Petty said. “I hope that working alongside the MBTA will help ensure our residents have a better opportunity to experience a faster commute to Boston."
The group will collaborate with the MBTA to help realize the full potential of commuter service through Union Station, understand and capitalize on the implications of West-East rail, and create a structure for more consistent community input regarding transportation service between Worcester and Boston.
“An efficient commuter rail system is critical for the City of Worcester. We have heard directly from residents that this is a quality-of-life issue for them,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “This working group will advocate for new and seasoned riders, ensuring that Worcester has a seat at the table and is improving transportation options between New England’s two largest cities.”
Members of the taskforce include:
Vincent Rougeau, President of Holy Cross
John Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, UMass Chan Medical School
Tracy O’Connell Novick, Community Member/Rider
Richard Burke, Worcester Redevelopment Authority
Tim Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce
Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, MBTA Assistant General Manager for External Affairs
Gus Bickford, MassDOT Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs
Eliana Agudelo, Chief of Staff for Mayor Joseph M. Petty
David Quiroa, Community & Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Office of City Manager Batista
Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer, City of Worcester
