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FRAMINGHAM – On Saturday, June 4, 2022 MWRTA will expand Catch Connect MicroTransit service to include Saturday service in Hudson.
MWRTA will launch Catch Connect MicroTransit service in Hudson, providing the town with Saturday public transportation for the first time.
This pilot service is supported by Representative Kate Hogan, who secured federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the service, as well as additional Hudson Town Officials who have been
invaluable in assisting in developing the initial service offering and helping to identify unmet transit needs in the area.
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MWRTA currently provides Fixed Route bus service in Hudson via the Route 15. The Route 15 travels along a designated route, starting in Framingham, connecting in Marlborough to allow access to other bus routes, and then looping through Hudson. The route operates Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the earliest stop in Hudson being 7:14 AM, and the latest being 6:20 p.m.. There is currently no weekend bus service in Hudson.
Catch Connect will allow riders to have flexibility on where they want to go, as well as when they want to go, without having to plan around fixed schedules and stops. Catch Connect service area will include the entire Town of Hudson, as well as Route 85 and a small section of Downtown Marlborough, which will provide riders with connections to the MWRTA Fixed Routes 7 and 7C Saturday.
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The Catch Connect service will be offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.n. on Saturdays, and will allow riders to book trips on demand anywhere within the designated service area. Catch Connect vehicles are fully accessible, and driven by professional and well-trained drivers.
MWRTA will use the Catch Connect service to gather data on where riders are travelling the most, which can also help to adjust the weekday Route 15 schedule for more optimal usage and timing. MWRTA will also view ridership levels to see how successful the pilot service is, and consider expanding service operation times in the future.
Detailed services maps and instructions on how to use the Catch Connect service can be found at www.mwrta.com/catch.
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Riders with a smartphone can book trips directly through the MWRTA Catch App, where they may also view the vehicle tracker. Riders who do not have access to a smartphone can call 508-283 – 5083 and a representative will assist with booking the trip.
At this time, the Catch Connect service is not accepting fares, but will eventually move to a debit system in which riders will pay for their trips through the app and will need to maintain a positive balance in order to book trips.
Visit www.mwrta.com/catch for more information on how to download the app, and for specific details on the new CatchConnect service. Riders may also email any questions to info@mwrta.com, or call (508) 283-5083.
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