Marlborough Commuter Shuttle Gets $200K From State

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A free commuter shuttle sponsored by the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) got a funding boost this week in a $16.5 billion transportation bond bill approved in the state Legislature.

The bill contains $200,000 for the Marlborough shuttle, which ferries workers between the Southborough MBTA station, the Marlborough Hills area and the Apex Center. During daytime hours, the shuttle is available to the Marlborough Council on Aging and the Department of Veterans' Services.

MEDC Executive Director Meredith Harris said the $200,000 will fund a year of service. The shuttle began operating in September 2019. The MEDC and the city planned to fund the shuttle for at least three years, but that was disrupted when many workplaces shut down at the beginning of the pandemic. The funding will still be available once the shuttle begins service again.

Local seniors and veterans have been able to use the shuttle through the pandemic, Harris said.

The shuttle was intended as a "last mile" solution for commuters using public transportation. The only other connection between Marlborough and an MBTA station is MWRTA's Route 7 to Framingham, which is not an express route.

State Rep. Danielle Gregoire added the $200,000 to the transportation bond. The bill also includes $2.75 million to upgrade intersections and resurface Route 20. Gov. Charlie Baker still has to sign the bill.