Submitted by Rep. Ken Gordon (D-Bedford)
Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) secured funding for the Middlesex 3 Coalition to administer a shuttle to transport employees from Lowell to retail and restaurant jobs in Bedford and Burlington as a part of the House’s Economic Development Bill.
In recent years, the number of restaurants servicing the residents and businesses of Bedford and Burlington has flourished, due in part to the influx of new companies with impressive workforces. “The challenge for these restaurants is to identify potential employees who do not rely on public transportation, because existing bus or subway service does not run at times sufficient to meet their needs,” said Rep. Gordon. “But the reliance on automobile transportation will increase traffic in our area, which we do not want to do. So a shuttle service from the areas where people live to their jobs is a viable solution.”
“It’s refreshing to see how Representative Gordon and Middlesex 3 have been able to help the restaurants and surrounding local communities,” said Kelly Pappas, a resident of Burlington and a member of its Chamber of Commerce.
The concept behind the service is to provide a jump start to the program, which will be funded by area businesses once it gets off the ground. Restaurants are an amenity that businesses have insisted upon when deciding where to relocate and bring jobs.
“Shuttle service between Lowell and Burlington and Bedford is critical for our regional economic development,” said Stephanie Cronin, the Executive Director of Middlesex 3.“We have seen significant growth along Route 3 and by this providing shuttle service, we will be able to connect people to the available jobs — especially jobs in the restaurant and retail areas.”
Rep. Gordon filed the funding as an amendment to the Economic Development Bill originally filed by Governor Baker. The bill also includes $500 million for the MassWorks infrastructure program, added fantasy sports to gaming activity legal under Massachusetts law, and provided funding for additional programs across the Commonwealth.
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