Mass.-based Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) opened the Union Station Bus Hub, a state-of-the-art facility that will improve transportation connections at the city’s historic Union Station and link transit riders to numerous destinations throughout Central Massachusetts, New England and the Northeast Corridor.

The WRTA Transportation Hub replaces the transit agency’s administrative office and transfer center, previously located several blocks away, with a brand new facility at Union Station. The new hub offers riders a direct connection to other transportation services, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail to Boston, Amtrak and intercity bus service.

The 14,000-square-foot facility includes eight bus bays to accommodate the more than 200 WRTA buses that service the station each day. A new passenger waiting area is also part of the facility. WRTA provides transit service for more than 14,000 riders on an average weekday and 3.5 million riders per year.

FTA provided $15.9 million toward the $16.3 million project, with the state covering the remainder.