BOSTON – It's often the feeling from anyone outside the Greater Boston area that most of the talk on Beacon Street is focused on Boston-based issues. But the Senate’s budget expressly adds funding for regional transportation.

And a recent study says it’s exactly what people need. 

A report commissioned by the Quaboag Connector came out this week and said the Massachusetts regional transport system needs attention with things like reliable routes and expanded service. With the focus on Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in the Senate budget, legislators hope to give residents more reliable options to get to school and work. 

“Like in Boston with the MBTA system, residents across the Commonwealth should be able to have reliable, steady, sustainable, public transportation,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-1st Worcester). “This funding in this annual increase that we're seeing is going to be the way to get there for our residents.”

The budget includes $214 million for the 15 RTAs in the state, focusing on adding more access, reliable routes and connecting the systems to each other. 

“Tt's not just the western part of the state or Central Mass. It's, unfortunately, equal opportunity. It's many areas of the state that I here feel left out and not getting the funding needed, the resources needed, or the services needed,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Middlesex and Norfolk).

Kennedy said when people have access to things like transportation, it helps economies thrive, which benefits the whole state. 

“It helps Worcester when Fitchburg is thriving. It helps Worcester when Springfield is thriving, when Fall River is thriving and Framingham and Pittsfield and Greenfield in Orange. We need to invest equitably across the Commonwealth because in that way, we can lift all residents of the Commonwealth,” said Kennedy. 

The budget debate starts next week, but Kennedy said she feels confident more legislators will join their advocacy.