Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey welcomed everyone to South Station on Saturday for what has become a holiday season tradition.
"I want to wish everybody a very, very happy holiday season. A Merry Christmas," Healey said.
Community leaders, 1,000 children and their families from the Greater Boston area gathered at the South Station Train Terminal to ride the "North Pole Express" train. Sponsored by commuter rail operator Keolis, the train left the station packed with underprivileged young kids and their parents for a trip filled with holiday treats and a visit with Santa Claus. Attendees ventured off on a trip to the "North Pole," and back as part of a full day of free activities. They also got a chance to hear guests read excerpts of Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express."
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The trip comes at the end of another year of what Gov. Healey called significant progress at the MBTA.
"The MBTA is cranking, you know, elimination of slow zones, better service, faster service, ridership is way, way up. I am so excited about, you know, where the T has come from, where it was just three years ago."
Participating charities included South Boston Neighborhood House, The Home for Little Wanderers, Horizons for Homeless Children and Boys and Girls Club Boston.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.
