Over 500 Users Successfully Enrolled on First Day of MBTA Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program

The MBTA today (10/14/26) announced that 532 users were successfully enrolled in the MBTA’s Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program yesterday, its first day of availability. The new initiative provides free MBTA service to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive, which includes free travel across MBTA bus, subway, ferry, and Commuter Rail services. More information about the pilot program is on the MBTA website.

https://mycharlie.mbta.com/reduced/senior

“It’s great to see more than 500 seniors sign up for free MBTA rides on the very first day of this program,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Just because someone stops driving doesn’t mean they should lose their independence or their ability to get where they need to go. This program is about making it easier and more affordable for older adults to stay connected to their communities, and we encourage all eligible seniors to sign up.”

“I am pleased to see so many enroll on Day 1 in our new Car-Free Seniors Program, giving people who can no longer drive or choose not to drive the ability to still travel using mass transportation. This successful launch underscores how important access to safe, reliable, and affordable travel opportunities are to the public,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we continue to prioritize upgrades and improvements in every area of our system, including new fare programs that keep people moving. Our senior riders are important to us, and I thank our new enrollees for trusting the MBTA as their preferred mode of travel for everywhere they need and want to go.”

Continue reading about the pilot program and find out how to sign up to try it out

https://www.mbta.com/news/2026-10-14/over-500-users-successfully-enrolled-first-day-mbta-car-free-seniors-pilot-program

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Key Issues and Opportunities - Part 7 of 8 - Transportation

Transportation

ISSUES

Safety

Several locations have been identified by stakeholders as dangerous including the Cottage Street at Union Street intersection, the East Central Street intersection at King Street and Chestnut Street, West Central Street intersection at Union Street, Washington Street intersection at Grove Street, Main Street intersection, and three-way stop by Dean College. Other dangerous locations include the five fatal crash locations identified in the Inventory and Assessment Report, and the one HSIP cluster located at West Central Street at Panther Way.

The lack of left turn lanes at the intersection of West Central Street at Union Street also provides a dangerous location for cars trying to maneuver through the intersection.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion during peak hours on Route 140 is exacerbated by a series of signalized intersections, presenting a challenge for commuters and travelers alike. As vehicles navigate through these intersections, the cumulative effect of traffic signals often leads to prolonged delays and gridlock, impeding the flow of traffic and causing frustration among motorists. The frequency of stops at these intersections not only disrupts the smooth progression of vehicles but also increases fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to environmental concerns.

Congestion also occurs during peak hours around school zones. Exacerbated by increased traffic volume, school buses, parent drop-offs, and pedestrian activity, increased traffic leads to delays and traffic bottlenecks near school zones and surrounding areas.

 

Grove Street

Grove Street is often used as a bypass for commercial vehicles, interrupting the regular flow of traffic and increasing the need for safety measures.

OPPORTUNITIES

Sidewalk Connectivity

The Town has an opportunity to improve sidewalk connectivity, especially around schools, and can seek infrastructure improvement grant funding through the Safe Routes to School program. Increasing sidewalk connectivity would improve the safety and accessibility of pedestrian travel in Franklin.

Franklin can also identify areas for new sidewalks, trails, and paths (e.g. Elm Street and Partridge Street) in coordination with the Town’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and support the extension of the SNETT to Downtown Franklin.

Grove Street also provides the opportunity to complete a shared-use path and serves as an example to look for additional opportunities to develop pedestrian and biking facilities and connections.

Senior Transport

Expand opportunities and connections for senior transportation to increase access to local services and programming. Consider regional expansion to improve connectivity to medical and social services.

-----------

Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Traffic & Circulation

Introduction

A well-functioning transportation system provides safe and efficient mobility for people to get to local and regional destinations no matter how they choose to travel, whether by walking, biking, public transit, or personal vehicle. While Franklin’s land use and transportation system has historically been auto centric, the town has made great strides in recent years to expand and improve the safety of their bicycle and sidewalk network. 

Public transportation also plays a role in the structure of Franklin, with two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail stops, and Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) microtransit bus service. Transportation system design, in tandem with land use decisions, affects energy consumption, equity, traffic congestion, pollution, and public health. 

The choices made over the next ten to twenty years in Franklin with regards to maintenance and enhancement of the transportation system will impact how residents and visitors get around and interact with neighboring communities in the future.

Existing Conditions and Trends

ROADWAYS

Franklin has around 220 miles of roadways. Roads in town can be classified using the federal road classification system into interstate, arterials, collectors, and local roads. Table 10.1 shows the total length of each classification of roadway in Franklin by centerline miles, the roadway length without accounting for the number of lanes. Map 10.1 shows the roads in Franklin symbolized by their functional class.

Interstate Roads

Interstate 495 (I-495) runs from the border of New Hampshire to near Cape Cod, that forms a semicircle around Boston. I-495 cuts through the middle of Franklin.

Arterial Roads

Arterial roads typically move people across town or between towns while providing access to popular destinations. Approximately four percent of the roadways in Franklin are arterials. Route 140 (also known as E. Central Street and W. Central Street) is the major and numbered state highway in Franklin and is managed by MassDOT. Outside of the downtown area from approximately Beaver St to Lewis St, which is managed by the Town.

 

Collector Roads

Collectors typically move traffic from local roads to arterial roads, while providing access to places along the road. About 14 percent of Franklin roadways are collectors. Major collector roadways include:

● Pond Street

● Lincoln Street

● Washington Street

● King Street

● Summer Street

● Oak Street

● Grove Street

● Chestnut Street

Local Roads

Local roadways provide the highest access to adjacent properties. Approximately 78 percent of all roadways in Franklin fall under this classification. Local roadways in Franklin are characterized by predominantly residential development and lower vehicle volumes and speeds.

Roadway Jurisdiction

Around 9.81 centerline miles of roads in Franklin are under MassDOT jurisdiction as of 2022. The Town has jurisdiction over 140.25 centerline miles of road, and 22.07 miles are unaccepted by any jurisdiction.

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

Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pK-2NMeuhA_RkA9f0kjoyfJqdI-K6mRN/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Vehicle Ownership & Commute Mode

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

Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pK-2NMeuhA_RkA9f0kjoyfJqdI-K6mRN/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

This Chalkboard Chat summarizes 3 School Committee meetings for you (audio)

FM #1821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1821 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 10, 2026. 

Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meetings of August 11, August 25, and September 8, 2026.

Across the 3 meetings we covered the following topics:

• Lifeline learning activities for summer

• Hiring status

• Transportation update

• Handbook and policies updated

• District Improvement Plan reviewed, feedback provided

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-11821-chalkboard-chat-09-10-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/l46DPWd-lGs

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

August 11 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates_0343394204.html 

August 25 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-welcomes-new_01995812623.html 

September 8 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/school-committee-gets-insights-on.html 

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Franklin Public Schools: "Opening Week Traffic Update"

"Opening Week Traffic Update

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we’re closely monitoring traffic patterns at our schools and comparing this year’s arrival and dismissal times with last year.

The data from Day 1 and Day 2 shows encouraging improvements at several locations, particularly during afternoon dismissal at Lincoln Street and Washington Street. We’ll continue to monitor traffic throughout opening week so we can identify trends, address challenges, and make adjustments where possible.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your patience and cooperation as everyone settles into new routines. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to help keep arrival and dismissal moving safely and efficiently."

School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (audio)

FM #1807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1807 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

Quick recap

• New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community

• Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled

• Review of the changes to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades

• Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families

• Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June

• bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

• bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass

• Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations

• Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting

Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1807-school-cmte-mtg-08-25-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4 

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the handbook updates  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58 

Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8 

Photo album of the Facility updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 25 in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

Quick recap:

• New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community
• Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled
• Review of the chnages to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades
• Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families
• Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June
• bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/
• bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass
• Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations
• Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the handbook updates https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58

Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8

Photo album of the Facility updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 11 in Council Chambers. All members participated, one (O'Sullivan) remotely.

Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

Quick recap

• Superintendent report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
• Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
• 
  Annual report submission approved, minor formating remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
• The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
• Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0
  

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

A real, interactive railroad crossing signal now installed at the Children's Museum of Franklin

All aboard for something NEW! 

This week, we officially cut the ribbon on the newest addition to our Transportation Area - a real, interactive railroad crossing signal, generously designed and created by @thembta!

Children can now experience an authentic railroad crossing while learning how these important signals help keep everyone safe around the tracks.

We’re incredibly grateful to the MBTA for partnering with us to create an exhibit that sparks curiosity, encourages imaginative play, and inspires future engineers, conductors, and transportation professionals.

A special thank you as well to our friends at @vendetti_motors, whose generous support made our Transportation Exhibit Area possible.

Since opening less than a year ago, we’ve welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 communities, and partnerships like this continue to make the Museum an exciting place to discover, imagine, and grow together.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DalWeLrka9R/

Children's Museum of Franklin and MBTA Celebrate New Transportation Exhibit Feature with Ribbon Cutting

Children's Museum of Franklin is excited to welcome the community to a special ribbon-cutting celebration for a brand-new interactive feature in the Museum's Transportation Area, generously designed and created by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 8 at 1:00 PM at Children's Museum of Franklin and will feature representatives from the MBTA, local officials, community leaders, Museum supporters, and families.

an early view of the train table
when the Museum opened Sep 2025

“On behalf of the MBTA, I want to thank Children’s Museum of Franklin for partnering with us to bring this customized railroad crossing signal to the Museum,” said MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. “We hope this hands-on exhibit helps visitors better understand how crossing signals keep people safe and we hope to see it inspire the next generation of train engineers, signal experts, conductors, and other transit professionals.”

"Transportation has always been one of the most beloved themes at the Museum, especially with our incredible view of the MBTA’s commuter rail from the exhibit area" said Erin Gallagher, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Children's Museum of Franklin. "We're incredibly grateful to the MBTA for creating a feature that helps children make meaningful connections to the world around them through play."

Since opening in September 2025, Children's Museum of Franklin has welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 towns across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond. The Museum’s beloved Transportation Area was made possible by the generous support of Vendetti Motors.

About the Children's Museum of Franklin

Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.

Visit the Museum online for additional info - https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Have you registered for the school bus for September? Deadline - Thursday, June 18

Have you registered for the school bus
for September? Deadline - Thursday, June 18

Register by Thursday, June 18 to guarantee your student’s FPS bus transportation for FY26-27.

Bus registration info found on the FPS page =

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

Shared from =  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KypT313dM/

Catch up with on the latest news via the School Committee Newsletter !!!

Via the Franklin School Committee:

"The latest Franklin School Committee Newsletter is out now! 

Read updates on schools, budgets, transportation & upcoming events in May. 

Read the school Committee Newsletter here: https://aptg.co/NZVhGY"