North Central chamber launches transportation program to connect workers and employers

A sign on a brick wall for the North Central Chamber of Commerce

Image | Courtesy of Google Maps The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is based in Fitchburg.

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North Central Massachusetts is tackling a problem familiar to suburban and rural communities: Getting workers from transit stops to their jobs.

This last-mile problem has prevented some residents from accessing employment opportunities, particularly in areas with limited commuter rail or bus service, said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

To help resolve the issue, the chamber in September formed the North Central Massachusetts Rides Transportation Management Association. The initiative, backed by an $85,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and $30,000 in local contributions, aims to improve workforce participation and strengthen the regional economy by bridging these last-mile gaps.

“The TMA is about creating options so businesses can find the staff they need and workers can seize the opportunities available to them,” said Tricia Pistone, associate vice president of external affairs at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital in Leominster, who is a founding member of the TMA and is now helping to guide its governance and programming.

TMA is working to provide shuttles, rideshares, and other on-demand options to help workers reach their companies’ locations, said Nascimento.

“These services are designed to help employees reach their workplaces, healthcare providers, and other institutions more reliably. In the past, workers have faced struggles with sound transportation to and from work, especially in rural communities,” he said.

Instead of acting like a bus line, the TMA will serve as a central coordinator, bringing together existing transit resources, matching commuters for shared rides, and partnering with professional operators to deliver services. Any future shuttles would be designed to plug specific gaps rather than duplicate what’s already available.

By improving access, the TMA aims to enhance daily life for workers, helping them arrive on time, uphold responsibilities, and take advantage of more opportunities. Local businesses face parallel challenges, as workforce shortages – particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries – make reliable employees all the more critical. Dependable transportation can expand the pool of potential employees and help businesses retain staff more effectively.

A man with short hair wears a dark blue suit jacket, white button down, and blue tie.

Photo I Courtesy of North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

“For many residents, simply having a dependable way to get to work or childcare can make the difference between employment or not,” Nascimento said. “Knowing that transportation is available reduces stress and opens doors for jobseekers.”

Research conducted by the chamber and the Health Equity Partnership of North Central Massachusetts highlighted transportation as a key barrier preventing residents from accessing employment, healthcare, and educational opportunities, particularly in the more suburban and rural communities of North Central Massachusetts.

“This program allows companies to share transportation costs and reduce risks,” Nascimento said. “Instead of each business buying a shuttle and hiring drivers, members can contribute to a shared system, improving efficiency and reducing liability.”

Other benefits of the initiative, highlighted by TMA leadership, include reduced absenteeism, improved recruitment, and environmental advantages, as coordinated transit helps decrease congestion and emissions on regional roads.

The TMA is unique for its rural and suburban focus. While similar programs exist in urban areas like Boston, North Central Massachusetts is one of the first regions in the state to implement a collaborative, business-led TMA in a largely expansive area, Pistone said.

“Other regions with similar challenges could look to our TMA as a model,” Pistone said. “It’s built by the community, for the community, and tailored to local needs.”

Early efforts are centered on setting up the foundation in 2025: a dedicated website, online scheduling tools, and an emergency ridematching program. These resources will establish the groundwork for larger services, including on-demand shuttles, to follow in the next year.

“This reflects the collaborative spirit of North Central Massachusetts,” Pistone said. “Employers, community leaders, and institutions are stepping up to solve a real challenge, and we’re proud to see it take shape.”

Charlotte Powers is a fall editorial intern for the Worcester Business Journal. She is a junior at College of the Holy Cross and studies political science, with a minor in environmental studies.