BURLINGTON WEATHER

Officials from Burlington, Woburn, Reading, and Wakefield joined local economic development groups Monday to unveil a new "last-mile" transit system. The ribbon cutting for the expansion of the LINK ride share program, operated by local shuttle company Circuit, took place at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center in Woburn.

The LINK provides on-demand, free, electric local shuttle service within the zone of origin (Burlington and Woburn, or Reading and Wakefield) and to Lahey Clinic and Winchester Hospital regardless of starting point. The program is funded by a $1 million grant to the four towns from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Micro-Transit and Last-Mile Transit Program.

Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon said, "This idea of a last-mile shuttle has been kicking around for a long time in the area ... but we needed somebody to step up and help us out, get us over the goal line." He stressed the necessity of cross-town collaboration. "We view this as a regional issue, and it's a regional solution."

Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon said last-mile transit will fill a gap long felt by travelers in the region.

Concannon said the increased growth and development in the area underscore the necessity of a transit program like this. "We can build all we want, but if the people can't get here, it's not going to work," he said. "We have a pretty good network in terms of our highway system and our train system, but it's that last piece ... We expect this to be that final piece of the puzzle."

State Rep. Rich Haggerty, who represents Woburn and Reading, said the state is investing in public transit and economic development, and he's excited that this local transit option is fully electric. "We're making sure we're taking cars off the road, using less fuel ... and doing our best for future generations," he said.

"Transportation doesn't just stop at the town or city borders," said Burlington Planning Director Liz Bonventre, "it's a regional problem." She said the towns have been working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for at least five years to solve the problem of first- and last-mile transit.

The LINK is already operating in Stoneham under the 2025 iteration of this grant. Circuit is eager to expand into the four new cities and towns. "With the LINK we are bringing 100% electric on-demand micro-transit to your doorstep, connecting residents seamlessly to local businesses, transit hubs, and healthcare at Lahey Clinic and Winchester Hospital, all without burning an ounce of gas," said Project and Partnerships Manager Thandi Nyambose.

Officials from participating towns joined with Circuit staff to cut the ribbon on the new LINK program serving Burlington, Woburn, Reading, and Wakefield.

Drivers are excited to kick the program off, too. Former Burlington resident and night auditor at the TD Garden parking garage, Thomas Sullivan, will drive part-time for the service. "We've taken on a big project," he said of the four-town partnership. "I'm going to enjoy it. I love driving, I love people. I just think it's going to be a great thing." He and Operations Leader Jordan Martin said the service will be essential for seniors and others trying to get from place to place on an on-demand basis.

The LINK program will ramp up over the next few weeks and will operate on a pilot basis for the next year. Riders can request a ride by downloading the Ride Circuit app or calling 781-782-2521.

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