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

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

On this date: Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus

Stepping back into the archives for March 5, 2010 we find that the Town of Franklin had just put out a survey to improve the Franklin Area Bus service provided by GATRA. 

Did you know Franklin had a bus service? GATRA or the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transportation Authority provides the service for $1.50.

"Franklin has issued a survey and is looking for your feedback on the Franklin Area Bus service, also know as GATRA. 

The bus has been running the same route for two years, and the town wants to improve that route if necessary."

(The survey links are not working today so no need to try them.)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/03/what-do-you-think-about-franklin-area.html

You can find a map of the current bus route, schedule and fares on the GATRA page (link below). It is also linked to from the Franklin web page under the "Meet Me in Franklin" section
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

On this date: Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus

GATRA bus on the Franklin route

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

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

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

 

Public Transit Funding in Serious Peril

I received the following press release from GATRA this afternoon:

Taunton –

The proposed fiscal year 2010 budget released by Governor Deval Patrick has severely cut back on the Administration’s commitment to provide for local public transportation services. This proposed budget only provides for 49 million dollars of the 64 million dollars needed to fund the 15 regional transit authorities operating regular bus and demand response service throughout the Commonwealth. The Regional Transit Authorities are the only remaining reimbursable line item left in the state budget and this proposed budget is actually paying for services that are operating now. “Due to the fact that we are already eight months into our fiscal year drastic cuts in service will need to be made in order to make up for this reduction in funding,” noted GATRA Administrator Francis Gay.

GATRA’s Advisory Board will be meeting in late February to discuss the current budget implications and to devise a plan moving forward. In the meantime the GATRA Administrator is asking residents throughout the GATRA region to contact their local Representatives and Senators to ask them to adequately fund public transportation services in the region when devising the House and Senate versions of the budget. If the proposed budget number stays anywhere near what the Governor has recommended there will be significant deficits for all the Regional Transit Authorities statewide.

GATRA is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of 15 Regional Transit Authorities in the state with an operating budget of more than $22 million. GATRA’s management companies operate more than 90 vehicles providing over 775,000 customer rides in 26 communities.

You can chose to do one of two things:

1 - Stay tuned to find out what this means to the Franklin routes.

or

2 - Take action and contact your local Representatives and Senators to ask them to adequately fund public transportation services for Franklin

Your choice.

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027

FARE FREE SERVICE

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027.*

Fare Free Transit Service is made possible through funding awarded in the governor's FY27 budget.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on GATRA's website. www.GATRA.org

*This date may be extended due to future funding availability. Changes to the planned date will be posted on Fixed Route buses and on GATRA's website.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzL17uA3w/

Tip of the hat to Ali Rheaume

Note: Franklin does not have a GATRA Fixed Route service. It used to. Maybe someday it will comeback.

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?

Econommic Development covers a variety of topics in 2.5 hour session (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, August 4. All four members of the committee were present in Council Chambers

The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 

Quick recap:

• Discussion and update on the UMass study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).
• update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change
• Next up the 40b policy revision
• revision would effectively removes the prohibition of apartment proposals and provides a set of 9 criteria of which 3 could be chosen to qualify the project for consideration by Town Council.
• consideration for a weight factor for small apartments or owned units to ensure that is the desired proposal to enable but make it harder for larger apartments to make it through the process (check list)
• agreement on a great starting point, maybe something from this section, and something from that section
• likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review theitems in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion
• next up, Sustainability Committee
• need volunteers, have a track record as a green community have not done a great job telling the story of the successes some of these items are not practical (I.e. fire truck as an electric vehicle is not available)national politics haven't helped drive green
• doesn't need to be so pessimistic on the approach, there are things that can be done, via the committee and folks interested in that to do the work 
• you will get passionate folks 2 apply 
• Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council
• next up, GATRA update
• World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month
• GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html
• What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? what would it cost for GATRA to do so. we can't finance the route on our own. 
• I recall someone had numbers on the potential route based upon GATRA demand ridership
• the pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus (from the archives, link broken on the GATRA page today)

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link

FAB funding not so 'fabulous' at this point in the budget cycle!

Did you know Franklin is served by a Regional Transportation Authority? The Franklin Area Bus (FAB) is operated by the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA).

"Among the budget items being negotiated on Beacon Hill are increases in funding for the state's Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). 

The RTAs have not received an increase in state assistance or an inflation adjustment in more than three years, though they have seen increases in operating costs for negotiated wages, health care, fuel, and insurance. Governor Baker has proposed level funding at $80 million, the House version of the budget calls for $82 million, and the Senate's version calls for $88 million. 

Regional transit administrators and their supporters say that if they don't receive the proposed $88 million, there will be further service cuts for the more than 32 million riders who use the 15 RTAs throughout the Commonwealth. Most riders are low-income or elderly people who have few, if any, alternative transportation options."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/16/regional-transit-authorities-anxiously-await-budget-deal

Updated 7/19/18 noon: email confirmation that $88M was in the budget document sent to the Governor per Rep Jeff Roy

"I have confirmed that the Regional Transit Authorities were funded at $88 million in the budget we passed yesterday. Here is the line item:

1595-6370 For an operating transfer to the regional transit authorities organized under chapter 161B of the General Laws, or any prior laws, under clause (2) of subsection (d) of section 2ZZZ of chapter 29 of the General Laws; provided, that each regional transit authority receiving assistance under this item shall deliver not later than October 1, 2018, a copy of its most recent audited financial statement to the chief financial officer of the Massachusetts department of transportation, the secretary of administration and finance, the treasurer of the commonwealth, the comptroller of the commonwealth, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on transportation ........................... $88,000,00

Franklin Area Bus

What is the FAB schedule?

http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

The archive has several articles on GATRA/FAB going back to 2009

http://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=gatra

The GATRA home page can be found http://www.gatra.org/

The audio of the Economic Development Subcmte Meeting Tuesday, Aug 4 is available (audio)

FM #1784 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1784 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.

Quick recap:

• Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).

• update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change

• Next up the 40b policy revision

• likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

• next up, Sustainability Committee

• Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

• next up, GATRA update

• 
  World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month

• GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html 

• What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. 

• The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

The meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1792-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-04-26/

—-----------

The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

GATRA Service Update and Dial-a-Ride Information

Press read the attached press release from GATRA regarding service updates and a Dial-A-Ride option for emergency transportation. (Note: FAB = Franklin Area Bus)

"TO THE RESIDENTS OF FOXBOROUGH, FRANKLIN, NORFOLK AND WRENTHAM. 

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Will Be Suspending All Fixed Route Bus Service In Your Towns. The FAB And Tri Town Connector Will No Longer Be In Service As Of Monday March 23,2020 For An Unknown Period Of Time.

However Due To The Serious Situation We Are Facing GATRA Will Be Offering Our Dial-A-Ride Service To All Residents Of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk And Wrentham For Critical Transportation Needs Within These Communities.

If Anyone Needs This Reservation Service The Hours And Telephone Numbers Are As Follows:

Monday -Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

800-698-7676. Ext 1


A 24 – 48 Hours Advance Notice Would Be Appreciated. All Vehicles Are Wheelchair Accessible.

GATRA Will Waive All Fares.

Please Be Safe And Follow All Guidelines Set By The CDC And Mass Dept. Of Public Health."

Download or read the full press release PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/press_releasetri_town_and_fab.pdf

Franklin Area Bus

GATRA still needs riders!

Did you know that GATRA has been operating here in Franklin for one year already?

Yes, it is true. They completed 52 weeks of service last week. They have provided free rides, coupons, and the ridership is only an average 149 per week. This is at least 100 below the target they set out with the Town to achieve when they began.

Will they be able to continue?

The decision is pending. Much like a lot of other areas. The resources are being looked at to see if they can justify the usage.
How can you help?

Consider riding GATRA. Look at the schedule here. Consider walking to one of the roads along the route and flag the bus down. Assuming, it is a good place to stop, they will.

Do you have any ideas on how to increase riders?

GATRA would love to hear from you. You can contact them through their web site here

"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

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

live reporting - late bus

Sabolinski -
Exploring options, will have another update in late July
GATRA is one alternative being looked at
current bus service from Holmes is also being looked at

If GATRA is willing to be a partner, there are needs to be fulfilled particularly for the kids, especially from the high school based upon the survey results

Jeff Roy - "happy to hear that you are committed to find a way to have some way to get the kids home"

GATRA is only $.50 versus the late bus at $1.00, could be better for the families involved

looking at Holmes for a "pay for use"
kids who opted for "pay to ride" rode the late bus free
pay to ride does cover a two-way fee, this would then be a third charge

GATRA Update: Suspension of service on Franklin Line begins Friday, Aug 25

The MBTA published two alerts on Tuesday that contradict each other. I think they mean to say due to a weekend event at Gillette, the GATRA bus service will stop on Friday and resume on Monday.

You can find the full text of the two alerts on the MBTA webpage here
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&advistory=true&route=Franklin+Line#details

Franklin Area Bus

What is GATRA? The Franklin Area Bus
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/have-you-taken-ride-on-franklin-area-bus.html

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting, Tuesday, Aug 4 at 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 4, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Discussion/Action: Umass Boston Downtown Planning Studio

a. Draft proposal   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10539/2a-UMass-Boston-proposal-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

3. Discussion/Action: Friendly 40B Policy

a. Draft policy from Councilor Morrongiello  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10540/3a-Friendly-40B-Policy-draft-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

4. Discussion/Action: Climate Leader Designation Goal

5. Discussion: GATRA Update - Morena Zelaya, Director of Planning and Community Development and Franklin GATRA Representative

a. Staff Memo   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10541/5a-GATRA-Update-for-080426-EDC-Meeting

6. New Growth Follow up

7. Next Meeting September 17th (Permitting 101 w/ town permitting boards)

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434