$97K State Grant Aids Beverly Commuter Rail Station Bus Service

BEVERLY, MA —A $97,000 state grant to the Cape Ann Transit Authority will help continue and augment bus service from the Beverly commuter rail station.

The award is part of $3.5 million in state Department of Transportation awards for regional transit authorities so they can "implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers."

"The services that are offered by Regional Transit Authorities are a key part of the Commonwealth’s transportation network, and help facilitate economic development opportunities and increase travel options within communities statewide," Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. "We are pleased to provide the tools and resources that can be used by RTAs to build upon their current service models and identify areas in which innovative practices can be developed and shared to ensure that all residents have access to safe and reliable transportation."

The Cape Ann award will allow the RTA to continue to provide commuter bus service operating since January between the Rockport and Gloucester Commuter Rail Stations and the Beverly Commuter Rail Station, plus add an additional trip in the morning and evening.

"This funding will help provide various transit benefits to communities across the Commonwealth including projects focused on Commuter Rail Fare Initiatives, Bus service expansions, pilot programs and enhanced customer experience," Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)