WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) announced a $703,795 Federal grant for the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA). The grant is issued through the Department of Transportation and is designated for the purchase of transportation vehicles, equipment and shelters. The MWRTA plans to use these funds to significantly increase the size of its bus fleet, install first of its kind GPS-technology on each of its public buses, and start development of an operations and maintenance facility.
Rep. Markey said, "I commend Ed Carr and the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority for their hard work in securing this funding. At a time when gas prices are nearing four dollars a gallon and the public is more concerned about fuel economy than ever before, the MWRTA provides an invaluable resource to the MetroWest community. I also applaud the Authority's use of GPS technology in its buses, which will provide the community with the ability to access the most current bus locations and route information available. The MWRTA provides an important service, and I am pleased that this federal funding has become available."
MWRA Director Ed Carr said, "I am thrilled that we at the MWRTA will be receiving this funding. I would like to thank Congressman Markey for all he did to help us throughout the process, and look forward to working with him on this project in the future. The MetroWest community can look forward to ten new buses, new GPS-tracking capabilities on those buses which will allow real-time tracking for passengers, and soon, the development of an operations and maintenance facility to help keep everything running smoothly. This grant is great news for the MetroWest community, and I look forward to getting started!"
The $703,795 federal grant will be made available to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority through the Department of Transportation FY2007 Appropriations bill.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2008 |
CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836 |
