MWRTA Starts Route 20 Pilot Shuttle

SUDBURY, MA — A new MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) shuttle driving along Route 20 is on the road, connecting commuters in Sudbury, Marlborough and Wayland to the Riverside Station in Newton. The pilot shuttle started on June 10 but a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday in Sudbury. The pilot program will last for one year.

On weekdays, the shuttle makes three round trips in the morning and three in the evening from the Target Store in Marlborough to Riverside Station with various stops in Marlborough, Sudbury, and Wayland. Starting in Marlborough, the shuttle would bring riders to MBTA's Riverside station in Newton, offering easy access to the Green Line. The MWRTA's goal with the shuttle, is to reduce congestion on Route 20 and connect Sudbury into the MWRTA and MBTA transportation networks.

The MWRTA announced the rollout of the shuttle back in March.

The shuttle is funded by a $350,000 grant from MassDOT. The pilot will run until June 30, 2020. After June 30, MWRTA officials will evaluate performance data and operating costs for the program and determine whether the service should become permanent.

Fares for the pilot shuttle are the same as any other MWRTA service: adult cash fares are $1.50 and Charlie Card fares are $1.25. For riders with disabilities and senior citizens, the cash fare is 75 cents and the disabled/senior Charlie Card fare is 70 cents. Children under 6 ride for free when accompanied by an adult. Students with a valid student ID card can ride for $1 cash.

“We are pleased to see the MetroWest RTA use their grant to offer this valuable and innovative service to communities along Route 20,” said MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Astrid Glynn.

Since the launch of the pilot, MWRTA has reported that a majority of ridership has been commuters from Boston coming into the MetroWest region. The shuttle also offers complimentary WiFi to allow passengers to effectively use their laptops and other electronic devices.

“The MWRTA is optimistic that the Route 20 Shuttle will be as successful as the MWRTA Route 1 because of the reverse commute element.”said MWRTA Administrator Ed Carr.