Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center opens, connects region to major hubs
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — The Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center is officially open.
It will serve as a bus station and commuter rail stop for RIPTA and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The first train left the station Monday morning at about 4:20 a.m., giving people a new stop for their morning commute or an easier way to get to Boston.
One group of excited passengers set their alarms to be the first ones aboard.
"This is the first time we've had a new train station open in a while, and I wasn't going to miss out," said Daria Brashear, one of the first to take the train.
The $63 million project was paid for with both state and federal funding.
It was supposed to be completed last summer but was delayed due to labor and supply chain issues.
It's estimated the station will see over 500 boardings each day.
"It'll be nice for people to get to Boston without having to take the bus to Providence or Attleboro. Just being able to, for a lot of people, walk here, get on the train and get where they're going," Brashear said.
State and local officials took the train from Providence Monday morning to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sen. Jack Reed said this will be a game changer for these cities and the entire state of Rhode Island.
"This isn't just about transit. It's economic development. This transit center will spur development in Pawtucket and Central Falls," Reed said.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said the station is already having a major impact on the city.
"Businesses are already recognizing and investing in the transit hub area and will provide easy and desirable access to affordable development and rental costs," Grebien said. "It's about connecting our residents to Providence and Boston, and introducing those residents to us."