495 Connector Shuttle Service enables connections across 3 of the spokes to the Boston Hub

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority has launched their new 495 Connector service! Connecting eight 495/MetroWest communities along I-495 and Route 85 with all three commuter rail lines serving our region, this new pilot shuttle service gives commuters and residents at the heart of our service area transit options never previously available.

495 Connector Shuttle Service enables connections
across 3 of the spokes to the Boston Hub

Running between the South Acton MBTA commuter rail station in the north and the Forge Park/ 495 MBTA commuter rail station in the south, the service includes scheduled stops in Hudson, Marlborough, Southborough (MBTA commuter rail station), Hopkinton, and Milford, with riders having the ability to request stops or flag down the shuttle at safe boarding locations. 

The service connects three commuter rail lines, five MWRTA fixed bus routes, two MWRTA catch connect zones, and eight 495/MetroWest communities. 

Learn more about the service and view the complete schedule at the MWRTA's website -> https://www.mwrta.com/routes/commuter-shuttles/495Connector. 

Download the PDF schedule as a reminder or to share ->   https://www.mwrta.com/application/files/4717/4974/7014/495_Connector_Schedule.pdf

495 Connector to launch May 27

495 Connector to launch May 27

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) posted Tue, May 13, 2025:

"Since our founding, @495Partnership has advocated for improved transit connectivity to address the lack of north-south linkages along Rt. 85 & 495.

On 5/27, that dream moves closer to reality, when @MWRTA launches their 495 Connector! 

Watch https://t.co/hPUtsjbm2Q to learn more! "

https://t.co/qsdUVl7m1P

Shared from -> https://x.com/495Partnership/status/1922369341489594538

Economic Development Subcommittee holds listening session (audio)

FM #1262 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1262 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All four members of the subcommittee were present in Chambers (Hamblen, Chandler, Sheridan & Frongillo).

Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 MetroWest Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

The recording of the meeting runs about 95 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1262-town-of-franklin-edc-mtg-08-14-24/

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf  

Franklin TV recording -> https://www.youtube.com/live/5sWJsjS7o44?si=1n0VZ3CxD4mqT98M&t=130 

Slides from 495 MetroWest Partnership -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJMqhE8A7YvxJiCQA 

Slides from MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MdnTwrkz5Tqo9Zb9  

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeYxvDrjguIbC_tq-9McqDlMCB0DPTkM/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 495 MetroWest Partnership

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Economic Development Subcommittee holds listening session (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met at 5 PM on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 to held a listening session. The agenda doc and links are shared here along with the Franklin TV video which is available for replay. All four members of the subcommittee were present in Chambers (Hamblen, Chandler, Sheridan & Frongillo).

Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 MetroWest Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf 

Franklin TV recording -> https://www.youtube.com/live/5sWJsjS7o44?si=1n0VZ3CxD4mqT98M&t=130

Slides from 495 MetroWest Partnership -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJMqhE8A7YvxJiCQA

Slides from Metrowest Boston Visitors Bureau ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3MdnTwrkz5Tqo9Zb9 

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeYxvDrjguIbC_tq-9McqDlMCB0DPTkM/view?usp=drive_link

 495 MetroWest Partnership

MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Franklin, MA: Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Aug 14 at 5 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Listening Session with Economic Development Partners

a. 5:05 PM: 495 Partnership

b. 5:20 PM: Metrowest Visitors Bureau

c. 5:35 PM: Tri Valley Chamber of Commerce

d. 5:50 PM: Franklin Downtown Partnership

2. Adjourn

Agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-08-14_edc_agenda_1.pdf

Franklin, MA: Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Aug 14 at 5 PM

495/MetroWest: Annual Conference 2023 -> "The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest"

Leaders from across our region are invited to join

The 495/MetroWest Partnership

For our 2023 Annual Conference

The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest

Featuring

• Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation -> Monica Tibbits-Nutt
• Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives -> Kate Hogan

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Village Hall on the Common

2 Oak Street, Framingham, MA 01701

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS -> https://www.495partnership.org/conference

Table Sponsorship Opportunities are still available; visit the link above for more information.

495/MetroWest: Annual Conference 2023

495/MetroWest Partnership heard presentation on "An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" (video)

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) tweeted at 11:26 AM on Tue, Oct 18, 2022:

Thank you to State Rep. @jeffroy for presenting to our Energy & Sustainable Development Committee on this session's climate legislation. Missed the event? 

You can watch it online: https://t.co/zgxPJjyYym

 

"On Tuesday, October 18th, 2022, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a special presentation from State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy of Franklin, who serves as House Chairperson of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The presentation focused on "An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind," major climate legislation passed and signed into law in August 2022. The bill contains significant provisions related to clean energy investment, offshore wind, electric vehicles, and more."

 Video link -> https://youtu.be/CR4hEuUuCIQ

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/495Partnership/status/1582392680532697088

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027

Strategicmetro Plan 2022-2027 (https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan) At its meeting of March 2nd, 2022, the 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a five-year strategic plan for the organization: Click here to access the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan of the 495/MetroWest Partnership Click here to access a two-page Executive Summary of the plan, outlining key components The plan was developed with the guidance of Ann Budner of ABudner Strategy Consulting, with assistance from Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth in facilitating stakeholder engagement. The process began in the Spring, with the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee.

Find the full plan and related materials -> https://www.495partnership.org/strategic-plan

MetroWest Partnership Reveals Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 

The 495/MetroWest Partnership reminds this is a good time to shop #MyLocalMA

The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) tweeted Wed, Nov 24, 2021:

"Whether on #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday, or #CyberMonday, consider shopping, dining, and staying local in support of the outstanding retail stores, restaurants, and lodging throughout 495/MetroWest! #MyLocalMA https://t.co/nsUxdL0JeL"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/495Partnership/status/1463532271739285508

And the best way to do this for Franklin is with the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card.

• If you have a card, you can reload the value to buy more locally.
• Buy a gift card for someone to use locally. (See the merchant list where they are accepted -> https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses)
• Don't forget that the nonprofits among us also could use a donation and #GivingTuesday is coming up on Nov 30

the best way to do this for Franklin is with the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card

495/MetroWest Partnership: Our 2021 "Strength in Numbers" Report

Plus, economic and demographic profiles for each of our 36 cities and towns

Strength in Numbers 2021 & Community Profiles Each year, the 495/MetroWest Partnership publishes our Strength in Numbers report, highlighting our region's advantages and successes. While 2020 brought with it instability, hardship, and unprecedented challenges for all of our stakeholders, 2021 has shown optimism and resurgence in the 495/MetroWest region. While many residents and businesses were adversely impacted by the pandemic, our region was uniquely well-positioned to weather the crisis economically, due to a strong presence of invulnerable economic sectors and a highly educated workforce, consistently enjoying comparatively lower unemployment. Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, those advantages continue to serve our region well. Click Here to Download our 2021 Strength in Numbers Report Accompanying our 2021 Strength in Numbers report are economic and demographic profiles of each of our 36 cities and towns. Data points presented in each community profile include population changes, educational attainment, commuting patterns, housing information, occupations and industries, and more. Click Here to Access our 2021 Community Profiles https://www.495partnership.org/reports-and-data We invite our stakeholders to utilize our Strength in Numbers report and the accompanying community profiles in promoting the region and inviting others to be a part of all that is happening throughout our 36 communities! Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29

Face covering order to be rescinded, replaced with CDC guidance

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29th, Face Covering Order to be Rescinded & Replaced with CDC Guidance Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that business and capacity restrictions will be lifted effective May 29th. The Commonwealth's face covering order will be also be rescinded on May 29th, and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th. Business Restrictions Lifted Effective May 29th, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted. Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols. Face Covering Guidance The Administration will rescind the current face covering order and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29th. The new advisory will be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The new advisory will recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in the following settings: On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations) In healthcare facilities/ healthcare providers In congregate care settings, including health and rehabilitative day services. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance: Effective May 18th, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes ages 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29th, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Click here for complete Youth Sports guidance. K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance: Effective May 18th, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29th. Click here for DESE Guidance Click here for EEC Guidance The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29th, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities. State of Emergency Order Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency. Complete reopening information can be found online at Mass.gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!