GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In Greenfield, the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey announced that $30 million in state funding will be put towards free transit. At the John Olver Transit Center, Governor Healey says this funding will go to 13 regional transit authorities, including those in the Pioneer Valley to provide year-round free fares. This initiative is part of the East-West Rail expansion from Boston to Worcester to Springfield and into Albany. It will help connect all rural communities to economic opportunities and provide seamless travel. According to Governor Healey, transit must be equitable in order to have a full impact. This means providing people better access to schools, jobs, groceries, or doctor appointments. "Service that people can actually depend on, count on. That means students, families, seniors with lower incomes, people with disabilities, and residents who aren't connected to urban centers. I grew up in a rural community of 1700 people. You need to make sure that transit is connecting to people all across the state," said Governor Healey. She also says improving access to transportation will take more cars off the road, and lower greenhouse gases and emissions. This initiative is part of the 2025 budget, which also authorizes $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, unlocking over $1 billion for critical transportation projects, including MBTA track upgrades. Local News Headlines Minor injuries reported in three-car collision in Springfield Sen. Warren urges action on gun trafficking in Springfield Massachusetts Senate suspends their rules Voting measures for incarcerated people WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.