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REGION – Those using the VIA on-demand service through the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) may see some changes in the near future.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Westborough Planning Department hosted a virtual meeting on “The Extra Mile” along with the WRTA and consultants from Nelson/Nygaard and Community Circle. They provided more information on the routes currently in service, and what changes could occur.
Among the major recommendations — split the current VIA coverage area from one zone into two microzones (Shrewsbury and Westborough/Northborough); and expand evening and weekend service.
The consultants noted pockets of density within the service area, especially along Route 9 and downtown for all three communities.
“[The] Route 9 corridor has many of the employment and trip generation opportunities within the study area,” according to the consultants’ report. “Travel flows are focused on shorter, local trips.”
Top destinations include the Extended Stay hotel on Route 9; Northborough Crossing; the Westborough MBTA station; and Main Street in Westborough.
“VIA ridership is centered in Westborough, with significant activity along Route 9 and into downtown Westborough,” said the report.
Should the service area be split into two zones, the consultants recommended adding coverage to downtown Northborough and more residential neighborhoods; a connection to Solomon Pond Mall; discontinue service to the Southborough Commuter Rail station; and more coverage in southern Shrewsbury.
They also recommended expanding service hours to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This would help those likely to use the service, such as shift workers, students, older adults and Housing Authority residents.
Other proposals to increase access include providing multilingual information; improving pedestrian/bike connections; providing alternatives to smart phone app and credit card payment; increasing visibility; and promoting the idea of sharing rides.
A final report is scheduled to be released this month.
For details, visit https://therta.com/the-extra-mile/
