LRTA, LGH launch vax shuttle

lowell » The Lowell Regional Transit Authority and Lowell General Hospital have launched a new bus shuttle service from the Kennedy Bus Center on Thorndike Street to the hospital’s vaccination operation at the Cross River Center on Pawtucket Boulevard.

The direct express service, which began March 25, operates five days a week, except Wednesdays and Sundays when the center is closed, with 15 daily departures from the bus center. The first bus leaves the terminal at

6:40 a.m. and arrives 15 minutes later at

Cross

River

Center, said

LRTA

Administrator

David

Bradley.

Departures continue every 40 minutes throughout the day from the Kennedy Center. The last outbound shuttle run to the vaccination center is 4 p.m., with a final inbound return trip at 4:20 p.m.

“We are very happy to play our part in this important vaccination effort with Lowell General Hospital to assist the public,” Bradley said.

Lowell General Hospital’s regional vaccination site has already provided more than 60,000 vaccine doses, and is currently doing as many as 3,000 per day.

“We are grateful to the LRTA for their partnership in providing this shuttle service, which is improving access to vaccination to more members of our community and getting us another step closer to getting past this pandemic,” said Lowell General President and CEO Jody White.

For a full schedule and other information, go to www.lrta.com. For vaccine appointments, visit www.lowellgeneralvaccine.com.

Bradley said Charlie Cards and cash fares are accepted on the LRTA express shuttle. In addition to the new shuttle service, the LRTA provides fixed-route bus service to numerous other COVID-19 vaccination sites in area communities, including designated municipal senior centers, Lowell Community Health Center and Lahey Clinic in Burlington.

‘we are very happy to play our part in this important vaccination effort with lowell general hospital to assist the public.’