MBTA looking for your input on its transit priorities for the next 25 years

"The MBTA is asking riders and residents to weigh in on a sweeping long-term investment plan that will guide transit priorities across the state through 2050.

Focus 2050

The plan, dubbed “Focus 2050,” is the latest update to the agency’s Program for Mass Transportation, a state-required blueprint that outlines capital needs and investment priorities over the next 25 years.

Officials say the effort is aimed at building a safer, more reliable, and more accessible transit system while preparing for future challenges such as climate change and shifting travel patterns.

“The public, our riders, communities and the businesses we serve can help shape decisions and priorities for the T,” MBTA General Manager and interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said in a statement. “Feedback is invaluable on what is most meaningful to improve their quality of life.”

Continue reading the article online with this shared link -

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/13/metro/mbta-seeks-public-feedback-on-next-priorities/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Check out the info provided and the options for sending the MBTA your feedback

https://www.mbta.com/projects/planning-the-future-the-mbta

Download the one page summary (embedded below) -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RBl7TvI1P1-DKju4iASHcaW2j_vMi9pA/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 ???

Tuesday, January 20

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

*** Town Meetings today   ***

2:30 PM   GATRA Public Meeting  LIVESTREAM  at the Senior Center

or 

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel  (Comcast 9, Verizon 29)

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, January 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01202026-2099 

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

MassBudget publishes report on MASS State Transportation Funding

MassBudget (@MassBudget) posted Wed, Jan 08, 2025:

MASS State Transportation Funding

🚌 NEW Report: If you're looking to understand where the resources come from to operate our state's extensive transportation system, and where exactly that money is spent, look no further. 

Check out our latest for all the details: https://t.co/ptW0WZAiaZ #mapoli

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassBudget/status/1877066746755961318

Note: I am sharing this before I have got into the details of the report. A cursory view of the image shared raises some questions that I hope are answered within the report. 

You should be aware that Franklin is served by the MBTA and the regional transit services of GATRA, both of which are covered in this report on the flows of money in, where from, where does it go. Should be interesting reading.

GATRA's Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Jan 25 at 2:30 PM at Franklin Senior Center

Via Franklin Food Pantry

"Many of our clients rely on GATRA to visit The Pantry. 

Come share your experiences with the service at GATRA's Public Hearing at @TOFranklinMA Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St. on January 25 at 2:30 PM. 

Click here for more info: https://t.co/AkEl0oaWIL"

Shared from -> https://t.co/0Q7mKwepK5

Also coordinated as part of the Master Plan Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee https://www.instagram.com/p/C2bXOVuOoml/

GATRA's Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Jan 25 at 2:30 PM

GATRA's Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Jan 25 at 2:30 PM at Franklin Senior Center

Did you know that Franklin residents get reduced rates for GATRA rides?

"This year, Franklin continued (and expanded!) support of public transit to address our accessibility, affordability, and traffic needs.

These savings are automatically reflected within the GATRA GO app!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpEgP5uGzg/

Visit the GATRA web page for additional info ->  https://www.gatra.org/

Did you know that Franklin residents get reduced rates for GATRA rides?

"making RTA buses free attracts more riders, improves service, and is easy to implement"

THE STATE’S 15 regional transit authorities, long considered a transportation afterthought on Beacon Hill, are suddenly all the rage.

RTAs, which operate local bus networks across the state outside the MBTA’s service territory, have long had a line item in the state budget. After adjusting for inflation, however, the state’s basic operating support for the RTAs actually declined 5 percent between fiscal 2016 and 2023, according to the left-leaning Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center.

But now the RTAs are poised to get a chunk of the $1 billion in projected revenue from the millionaire tax. In her budget proposal, Gov. Maura Healey proposed using $25 million from the millionaire tax money to support the RTAs. The House upped that number to $70 million, and the proposed Senate budget contains $100 million, a tenth of all projected funding from the new tax.

The $100 million in the Senate proposal includes $56 million for direct operating support, $25 million for innovation grants, $4 million for accessibility grants, and $15 million so each of the RTAs can launch six-month, fare-free pilots on their bus systems.

Continue reading the article at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/senate-budget-boosts-rta-funding-backs-fare-free-buses-2/ 

Why does this matter? GATRA is our regional transit authority (RTA)

https://www.gatra.org/

GATRA GO United Is An On-Demand, Same Day, Affordable, And Accessible Public Transit Service Serving Franklin

GATRA representatives to participate at Coffee Hour Thursday - 10/20

"Join us THIS THURSDAY for special monthly office hours, featuring our partners at GATRA!

GATRA offers low-fare rides across the region for all Franklin residents. They will play a key role in meeting our affordability, traffic-reduction, and climate goals.

Ever have a GATRA question or concern? I was recently appointed as Franklin's rep to the GATRA Advisory Board and would love to hear from you!"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj3hFbau_Cu/

GATRA representatives to participate at Coffee Hour Thursday - 10/20

Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan schedules a virtual public meeting for Oct 20 at 6 PM

Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) tweeted Mon, Oct 03, 2022:

How should #Massachusetts invest in transportation in the future? 

Join #BeyondMobilityMA, the statewide 2050 transportation plan, for a virtual public meeting on 10/20, at 6 PM to learn more.

More info and to register visit: https://t.co/vV7lghP0js   or  https://www.mass.gov/beyond-mobility

"Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan, is a planning process that will result in a blueprint for guiding transportation decision-making and investments in Massachusetts in a way that advances MassDOT’s goals and maximizes the equity and resiliency of the transportation system. 

Your input is needed to help develop this vision. The process for developing Beyond Mobility is underway." 

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MassDOT/status/1576980555383595009

GATRA, electrifying the MBTA, bringing the double track to Franklin, improving the handicap access to the Franklin/Dean station; all of these topics should be part of this planning process. Oh, and 2050 is the key as this is part of the climate roadmap.  For more about the climate roadmap, check out the podcast series on "Making Sense of Climate" 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan schedules a virtual public meeting  for Oct 20 at 6 PM

Franklin Community Public Transportation via GATRA Go United

Franklin Residents may ride the new GATRA service within the Service Area* for $1.00

Need a ride to the following?

• Grocery Store 
• Urgent Care 
• Work
• Senior Center

Rides to and from the Senior Center for residents are Free

Miles for Health is also available by appointment for long distance medical transportation

GATRA Service Hours: 

• Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM

*The service area for GATRA Go United is Franklin, Foxboro, Norfolk and Wrentham as well as the Bellingham shopping plaza and Plainville shopping plaza

Download the app or call 800-698-7676
Visit www.GATRA.org/gatra-go for more information

Download the flyer for reference => https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GhZhL5W78DGPoVAnBWeBmbeH5TOT3Riw/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Community Public Transportation via GATRA Go United

FM #518-519-520 - Town Council Mtg - 04/14/21 - 3 part audio

FM #518-519-520 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 518-519-520 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening  Sheriff McDermott’s update and the OPEB update (~63 mins)
• Second - covers the GATRA discussion (~42 minutes)
• Third - covers the Downtown parking requirements discussion and the remainder of the meeting (~72 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Apr 14, 2021

Audio file P1 =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/04a7a0ac-fa31-4046-9393-621f2333bdcf

Audio file P2 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91c1b768-60e8-4bf6-890f-fe59d6f55789

Audio file P3 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d3146fb0-0336-46c2-97ee-ba2e1ea63f4b

--------------

Agenda document folder
https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

 
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-mtg-apr-14-2021.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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!

------------------

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

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

FM #515 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 515 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 

• ok, what just happened? 
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   Diane Daddario, MD
 
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        

a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott  ~25 mins

b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman  ~15 mins

c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director ~32 mins

d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements  ~55 mins

 
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/38c6835f-451c-4709-b5e8-23c6afcbdf1b

--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-mtg-apr-14-2021.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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!

------------------

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

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

Recap: Town Council Mtg- Apr 14, 2021 - Sheriff McDermott, OPEB update, GATRA, zoning for parking, etc.

Quick Recap:

Four presentations and resulting discussions dominated the meeting

• Sheriff McDermott highlighted services his organization provides
• The OPEB funding status was updated; the actuarial funding requirements are required every 2 years, this is the 'off year'
• The new Executive Director of GATRA appeared to provide updates on changes and answer questions on the service problems seen by the community
• Downtown parking zoning requirements were reviewed, a revision to the current bylaw is expected to come through the Economic Development Subcommittee in the future

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0414
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0414&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/uRFDiy1NawmyttBw9

Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

• Last meeting tonight, real time reporting for the Town Council meeting about to begin #tc0414
• Agenda doc with connection info https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda #tc0414
• Meeting opens late 7:04 PM #tc0414
• Chair Mercer reads the standard protocol message and phone call number for those who need it #tc0414
• Dale Kurtz speaks to the VA vaccine clinic at the Senior Center on Saturday from 10 to 1. https://franklinmatters.org/2021/04/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-in-franklin-for.html?m=1 #tc0414
• Jane Tripp speaks against the storm water fees. #tc0414 wants a paper trail showing the demand for this. Shouldn't be raised at this time during the pandemic.
• Victoria raising questions on paperwork provided with the vaccine, what is it isn't provided. Is it being provided to Franklin? https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-information #tc0414

Proclamation

• Minutes, none - Proclamation for Dr. Diane D'addario Cathy Liberty, Director of Public Health, along with Chief McLaughlin to recognize her for the support processing the vaccine clinics. #tc0414 Councilor Frongillo reads proclamation

License transaction

• License transaction, Shaw's change of Manager for wine/malt license. #tc0414 motion and second, simple paperwork to acknowledge, Attny and manager present via Zoom; experienced but not previously manager of record. ServeSafe certified. Vote via roll call, 9-0

Sheriff McDermott 

• Sheriff Mcdermott https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda #tc0414 Role of sheriff has evolved over the years https://norfolksheriff.com/about/sheriff-pmcdermott chief public safety officer for the county of Norfolk
• "Yellow dot" program indicates the file for life, can save lives. #tc0414 https://norfolksheriff.com/divisions/senior/yellow-dot-program "Are you ok" program? https://norfolksheriff.com/divisions/senior/areyouok all free programs, need to get information out
• #tc0414 youth leadership program to be piloted at Dean College this summer. Dan Manning, Dir of internal affairs, leading outreach Q women's programs for incarceration? We are working on it, complicated but working to meet needs within budget
• Reentry programs a priority, when they get out, they come back into the community and need to fit in #tc0414 use email to reach out and then we'll allocate the proper person or group to respond. Will be hiring correction officers in the fall. https://norfolksheriff.com/employment

OPEB update

• Next up, the OPEB update. #tc0414 Dan Sherman provides the details
• A great spot at about 10% funded level for OPEB #tc0414
• Were at 7.7 last year not at 8.5% funded, a good position. #tc0414
• We are chipping away at this, and being in the top 10% top 25% and that is good. Only one Community funded, Wellesley but they funded via prop 2.5 so they are still paying it off so he doesn't count that. #tc0414 OPEB board page for ToF https://www.franklinma.gov/opeb-board-trustees 
• There is no law requiring funding by a date, once Norfolk pension is funded then those funding amount can be shifted to OPEB and make greater inroads. #tc0414

GATRA

• Next item, GATRA leadership team. Mark Souza started Feb 2020 so his first year is likely a story. #tc0414 Mark has an issue with the audio connection, retrying.
• Mark connected via the "old fashioned way" via phone #tc0414
• Micro-transit; call on demand via an app like Uber or Lyft. Senior dispatch can still call the same number. Transportation opened up. Started in Dec with 489, reached 2000 in March. #tc0414 pilot allows to build the data to expand the program.
• Not at full service; phone numbers haven't changed so they can still call. #tc0414 could go from Franklin to Gillette and then to Mansfield with two trips. Micro transit is on demand via an app, picking up one or two COVID, each ride is $2. It is public transportation
• Oh, and there was mention of a radio show with Franklin Matters. No, not me. Did share the press release they made in Dec but that was about it. #tc0414 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/gatra-launches-innovative-on-demand.html 
• COVID money revamped office operations, added barriers for drivers and passengers on buses, upgraded ventilation on buses, etc. #tc0414 there were federal guidelines for how used, and they stuck to it. We have the inventory to handle those trips.
• #tc0414 Rep Roy asked about the other questions from the office hour meeting that hadn't been addressed yet in this session. Advisory board, there is a member they have been notified, email to member, posting to Town Clerk. Standard process for all 28 towns we represent
• Some times before COVID we couldn't get a quorum for a board meeting, since COVID attendance has improved remarkably #tc0414 let me know of any issues, I will address them. We will figure that out to get rides to the senior center and advertise that.

Downtown zoning for parking

• Next discussion item: downtown commercial zoning C1 parking #tc0414 there had been no parking requirements previously, a bit ago it was changed and may have gone too far. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8d._web_downtown.pdf
• Restrictions on sidelines and parking will hurt developers, would like to see the old C1 come back to the downtown to help. Per Bissanti #tc0414 is there something can explain what zoning is? Zoning is complicated, one of the most important decisions this body deals with
• It is ok to spend time on these issues. Parking is in the driver's seat. If you can't find one, you need it. If you find one, you don't need more. We haven't nailed it yet, it will require work. Parking will always be an issue anywhere. It has to be a balance. #tc0414
• Parking is one area where the Planning Board can waive it down as opposed to other areas. There does need to be some parking downtown. Transit oriented development is good but there will still be need for parking #tc0414
• Zoning also available on the website, perhaps the Clerk can provide a copy of the zoning book (with a map) #tc0414 there was no zoning parking requirement and it was changed 3 years ago. We did have meters downtown not too long ago.
• There is limited parking downtown. We are the only commuter rail stop on the Franklin line that doesn't have housing associated with it. There is room to expand parking, we need to be the Council to do so. #tc0414 we don't have an affordable housing stock
• The only thing we can do is manage it to the best if our ability. A developer will only put in the parking that is feasible to make it work. They won't rely on the gratitude of the planning board. #tc0414 we're trying to make sure there is business downtown
• Request to consider revision to parking bylaw, and take to EDC before coming back to the Council. The downtown parking is available after hours. Attny Cerel is using the whole hand to raise his notice. If there is a 0 requirement, the Planning Board would not be able …

Subcommittee updates

• Joint budget Subcommittee did meet on Monday, spoke about the Davis Thayer building, Supt not ready to declare surplus at this time will be done during the transition plan to Keller. Next meeting to be posted soon. #tc0414 EDC did meet before this meeting, discussed ...
• The Community grant program, and NuStyle. Possibly meeting twice in May to begin housing plan #tc0414 

Legislation for action

•  (09:47PM)  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web_foxborough_ima.pdf motion and second, "where the sun, moon and stars align once in a while"; passes via roll call 9-0

Town Administrators Report through to closing

• Side discussion on how we could do this service internally? Foxboro has firefighters who are certified to service the engine equipment. Drive through window closed two days for the window work and their floor soon to follow. Contact the Board of Health if question on vaccines
• It is clear there is misinformation on stormwater fee out there. I offer to meet with you to discuss further $1.9m state grants only, four and half years $10m; that is a lot! Small amounts and large amounts add up #tc0414
• #tc0414 Bissanti heard about opportunity zoning, a fictional example of carrying forward a capital gain (my assessment) Could the Police chief show something in the use of force training?
• Story walk downtown Main Street, enjoyed work by Councilor Frongillo Senior coffee hour Thursday AM, rail trail race virtually this year. #tc0414 school vacation week next please be careful. Light needed at the crosswalk where Dean students cross
• #tc0414 water conservation measures coming with level 2 drought announcement. Apologies for a late meeting, good discussion tonight. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight (finally), catch you next time!

 

zoning map of downtown for parking discussion

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Diane Daddario, MD

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Change of Manager, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 - None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The meeting packet for the Council meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

The one PDF with all released docs and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/4-14-2021_town_council_agenda_-_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

GATRA Launches Innovative On-Demand Share Service - Dec 15

Passengers Can Book Same Day Trips Through Smartphone App 

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Agency (GATRA) is excited to announce the launch of GATRA GO United a flexible and dynamic on-demand microtransit service to operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham. 

Similar to ride-hailing services, GATRA GO United uses a smartphone app for riders to schedule customized curb-to-curb microtransit trips. A vehicle will pick up riders and drop them off wherever they wish to travel within the service boundaries. Along the way the shuttle may pick up other passengers who also request a ride (With COVID-19 social distancing protocols in place). This service is wheelchair accessible and all drivers are trained and certified using state and federal guidelines. 

This pilot program will operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham as well as portions of the towns of Bellingham and Plainville connecting employment locations, medical facilities and recreational locales. 

The service will start on December 15, 2020 and will be operated on a pilot basis. It will be free through the month of January. The service area map can be found on the GATRA GO United app or on our website, www.gatra.org/gatra-go 

GATRA is partnering with National Express, one of the largest private transportation contractors in the United States and the current operator of GATRA's services in the Franklin and Norfolk Areas. The new service is powered by Next Connect, a new mobility platform developed by National Express in cooperation with Spare, a leading on-demand Transit software provider. 

The new on-demand microtransit service will replace the fixed route bus service in these four towns with a solution that will enhance transportation options for all. To use the new ride share program passengers first need to download the free GATRA GO United app on their smart phone and then request a ride. 

Following a GATRA GO request, the microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick up time, track the bus in real time and alert the person when their ride is about to arrive. GATRA GO United customers do not have to download the app, same day rides can also be requested by calling 800-698-7676. 

Wait time for service pick up will be subject to vehicle availability. GATRA realizes the importance of greater accessibility and mobility in this region and strives to work with their communities to fill public transportation gaps.

https://www.gatra.org/gatra-go-united/ starts Dec 15, 2020

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Survey

We want to know what you think! GATRA is updating their Regional Transit Plan in order to create a vision for the next five years and prioritize service improvements. As a valued GATRA customer, your feedback is essential to our service and is a key ingredient in our recipe for success.

The safety and well-being of GATRA passengers and employees remains our foremost consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are taking every precaution to protect the public today, we must also continue to plan for the future when the ever-increasing demand for service improvements return. With this in mind, we ask you to take a few minutes to provide us with your feedback on how service was meeting your demands in the months leading up to the pandemic. Funding for service improvements often takes years to secure and your feedback today is vital to ensuring that we have the resources necessary for robust service improvements in the future.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gatra2020survey

If you did not know that Franklin has the Franklin Area Bus (FAB) check out the route information  http://www.gatra.org/

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Survey