The long-awaited and much anticipated Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center opened this morning. MBTA commuter trains between Wickford Junction and Boston's South Station will make 40 daily stops weekdays and 18 stops a day on weekends.
“I want to thank our Congressional Delegation and all the federal, state and local partners who helped make this day a reality,” Governor McKee said. “This new station is a major addition to Pawtucket, Central Falls and all of Blackstone Valley, supporting economic development efforts in these communities while providing tremendous transit options for all Rhode Islanders and those visiting our great state.”
“This long-awaited station is a key link in a broader economic development strategy for Pawtucket and Central Falls. I am proud to have led efforts over the last two decades to deliver federal investments to complete this state-of-the-art transit hub. In addition to providing efficient, reliable transportation options for commuters, it will drive private investment, economic growth, and opportunity for the whole area,” said Senator Reed, who first secured a federal earmark for the station planning in 2004 and who helped create the competitive TIGER grant program as a way to spur tough-to-finance projects like this that have a significant impact on a region or metropolitan area.
RIPTA buses will also use the new facility providing service on ten routes.
(Photo Credit: Governor McKee's Office)