New Worcester RMV opens: From groceries to license renewals

Veer Mudambi, Telegram & Gazette
·2 min read
The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.
The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.

WORCESTER — Kesy Pinto didn't mind the old place. It might not have been as shiny, but it was much closer.

“I had to travel quite a bit to get here,” said Pinto, one of the first customers at the new Registry of Motor Vehicle service center at 50 Southwest Cutoff (Route 20).

Pinto was there to pay her motor vehicle tax.

“I definitely preferred the one near Southbridge Street,” she said, referring to the former location at 611 Main St. That branch closed Friday, giving way to the new, more modern service center.

More: RMV on the move: Worcester branch to relocate from downtown to former Big Y on Route 20 on Monday

Many Worcester residents remember the new RMV as the former home of Big Y supermarket. After more than a year of renovations, the facility had its first full day of business yesterday.

Kesy Pinto prefers the Southbridge RMV but was visiting the new location in the city Monday. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.
Kesy Pinto prefers the Southbridge RMV but was visiting the new location in the city Monday. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.

The new site saw a brisk business on the morning of its first day, with a steady rotation of driving test appointments, (which now includes a motorcycle testing course), a filled waiting area (though occupants seemed unmoved by the shiny new interior) and a long line in front of both information desks.

The new 14,105-square-foot service center boasts 21 transaction counters and improved air filters, but the biggest improvement is actually outside the building.

The parking lot out front can now accommodate approximately 350 cars in dedicated parking spaces. Lack of parking was one of the primary reasons the state Department of Transportation made the decision to move the RMV from downtown.

Raj Chowdary outside the new location. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.
Raj Chowdary outside the new location. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.

“The RMV is pleased to open this new state-of-the-art service center location to provide customers with accessible, flexible and convenient services in the MetroWest region of the commonwealth,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.

While it may no longer be within walking distance for some, a Worcester Regional Transit Authority public bus stop directly in front of the facility should make things easier.

An employee at the entrance directs customers to the proper line or area. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.
An employee at the entrance directs customers to the proper line or area. The new RMV opened Monday in the former Big Y supermarket off Route 20.

And unlike the downtown location, those at the end of the queue will be able to stand inside the building to avoid the elements.

The new location will have the same operating hours — Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Shiny, modern and more parking, but new RMV not best location for some