February 23, 2023

Mr. David Mohler
MPO Chair
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116

Dear Mr. Mohler:

On behalf of the Neponset River Regional Chamber, I am writing to express our support for continued funding of the Royall Street Shuttle service in Canton. The Chamber is a longtime member of the Neponset Valley TMA and we have worked closely with them and area businesses to develop the shuttle service.

These shuttles provide important and convenient connections between Royall Street and the MBTA Commuter Rail, and the MBTA Red Line stations at Quincy Adams, Mattapan, and Ashmont. Area businesses find that shuttle service is a valuable tool when it comes to recruitment of new employees from those areas, as well as retaining valued employees who are benefitting from the shuttles. Ridership has been increasing and is expected to continue to grow as more employees return to the office. In fact, the availability of the shuttle helps to encourage employees to return to the office. As there is still new development happening on Royall Street, we also believe the shuttles will continue to expand to include additional members.

During such unprecedented times for the environment, employers and their workers, eliminating a reliable, cost-effective transportation option sends exactly the wrong message.

We strongly encourage the MPO, MassDOT and FHWA to continue their support of this important project. It’s an essential tool for economic development in the region, and it helps further MPO goals of reducing traffic and improving air quality by taking vehicles off the road.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. O’Rourke, CCE

President and CEO