Regional Transit System
Northern Middlesex Regional Transportation Plan 2020 REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM Transit benefits the region's overall travel conditions by helping to reduce single‐occupant vehicle (SOV) travel. Public transportation plays a major role in providing travel alternatives, improving personal mobility, alleviating congestion, and improving air quality. In addition, transit benefits our economy. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the following financial and economic development benefits are derived from transit investments1: Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns; Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs; Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales; and Home values performed 42 percent better on average if they were located near public transportation with high‐frequency service. Public transportation provides access to job opportunities for people of all abilities and from all walks of life. This section of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) assesses and analyzes the region’s transit assets and needs. LRTA FIXED ROUTE SERVICE The Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), through a contractual agreement with Lowell Transportation Management, Inc., provides fixed route bus service for the general public in the City of Lowell and the Towns of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford. All fixed routes originate and end in Lowell. The LRTA service area population is 343,355, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, while the fixed route service area population is 272,225 persons, as depicted in Map 6.1 on the following page. The Kennedy Bus Transfer Center at the Gallagher Intermodal Center in Lowell is the central hub for the LRTA bus route system.
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