Worcester's growth hinges on transportation investments
John Mahoney
In order for business to thrive in Massachusetts, we need to continually and sustainably invest in our transportation system. When businesses have access to uncongested highways, efficient rail service and non-stop daily flights, their connection to our innovation economy is deepened. While President Obama has made clear his commitment to an “America built to last,” we in Massachusetts are not waiting for Washington to act.
Last year, my colleagues and I in the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a major transportation finance bill to address the commonwealth's long-neglected and underfunded transportation system. The House has worked closely with business leaders to ensure we make the investments necessary to grow our economy without creating an overly burdensome tax structure. Our transportation financing package represents a balanced approach, and it's already making an impact across the commonwealth. In Boston, it means new Red and Orange Line cars for the MBTA. In Worcester, it means forward funding and expanded service for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
Since taking office, I have continued the work of my predecessors, and together we have made tremendous progress. The Worcester Regional Airport has reopened, express trains to Boston have come online, and expanded commuter rail service will soon be in place. These investments and others around the state will make our transportation system more efficient, more connected, and most importantly, more functional.
As a former small-business owner, I understand just how important a modern transportation system is for business. Being able to move goods and services quickly and efficiently can increase an organization's bottom line and enable them to grow faster. JetBlue's landing in Worcester is an exciting opportunity for our community. While Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are certainly leisure markets, JetBlue's continued success allows MassPort to make a convincing case to other airlines that Worcester is open for business. If we support JetBlue's investment, service to Washington, Chicago or New York may not be far off. Access to those major cities will once again deepen Worcester's connection to the global economy and allow our businesses, especially in the life sciences and biotechnology industries, to continue to grow jobs.
Connecting Boston and Worcester with express commuter rail service during peak hours is another transportation improvement that is a significant win for the business community. Boston's new mayor, my friend and former colleague Marty Walsh, does not want to focus on one district in his city for innovation; he prefers a more comprehensive and regional approach. Worcester is already a part of that corridor. With the help of WPI, Becker and UMass Medical School, high-tech businesses are moving to and growing in Worcester. But if our vision of an innovation corridor is going to be truly successful, we must grow even more interconnected to Boston and Cambridge's centers of innovation. With express trains during peak hours and expanded service on weekends and throughout the workweek, these companies will have an opportunity to collaborate with their neighbors in Boston.
It's clear that increased investments in transportation deepen Worcester's connection to the innovation economy. Doing so ensures that Worcester retains the innovative companies that already call our community home and also attracts new businesses with good jobs. n
John Mahoney is the state representative from the 13th Worcester District, which covers Paxton and parts of Worcester. He serves as vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
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