NECCOG approves multiple STIP amendments and records a transit ridership milestone

Across several meetings in 2013 NECCOG approved State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) amendments and new projects affecting local roads and transit. Projects approved included Putnam ADA‑compliant sidewalk ramps (Project #0115‑0116), statewide LED relamping of traffic signals (Project #0170‑3009), District 2 traffic signal installations (Project #0172‑0403 and #0172‑0404), and a new bus facility (Project 0472‑0048) with a multi‑year funding shift noted in minutes.

The council routinely approved STIP amendments by block vote. At the April meeting members also approved a $1 million planning study for countermeasures to wrong‑way off‑ramp drivers.

Transit district (NECTD) updates were frequent: Director John Filchak reported steady ridership with a single‑day record of 362 passengers reported in April. The board approved annual transit policies, preventive maintenance and procurement updates in May and accepted the NECTD audit when presented.

Members discussed aligning regional transit services and coordinating route connections toward Worcester and the MBTA, and they approved officer appointments for NECTD transit leadership.