SPONSORED CONTENT: The following is a guest column by Colette Aufranc, Select Board and Mobility Committee; and Marybeth Martello, Climate Action Committee. This is the first in a series for Wellesley’s “May is Mobility Month” campaign dedicated to transportation actions available in Wellesley that support the town’s Sustainable Mobility Plan and Climate Action Plan. The columns are authored by members of the Select Board, Climate Action Committee, Mobility Committee, School Committee, and Trails Committee.

As spring returns to New England, and pre-pandemic routines have ramped up, traffic and congestion in Wellesley have returned. During the month of May, Wellesley is celebrating MOBILITY!

As part of this initiative, we’re encouraging all residents to re-evaluate our behaviors and hopefully keep some of the “COVID silver linings”—more outdoor activity and mobility for all, less traffic, reduced pollution, and more. Also our continuing volatile weather—unseasonably warm days followed by cold and snow—has intensified a sense of urgency to meet our town and state climate goals: achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040.

These two objectives go hand in hand: Transportation contributes to 43% of our GHG emissions in Wellesley. By shifting our transportation behavior, we can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle, improve our community environment, and help reduce the impact of climate change. Where do we start? What is effective? What resources are available to use?

The MBTA and Commuter/Regional Rail

It’s still known as the “Commuter Rail” but the MBTA transformation to a “Regional Rail” is underway. Coming soon, the MBTA will offer bi-directional “Clock Face Scheduling” where weekday trains run at the same, dependable time, hourly throughout the day—no service gaps! Design has started on a third train track for the Framingham/Worcester line that will add capacity for more frequent service and decrease travel time. Due to construction, check the MBTA website for temporary schedule changes to midday and weekend service. There are no changes to weekday peak service.

Trade in your downtown parking spot for a rail pass. Use the MBTA mTicket app or visit the MBTA website to learn more about commuter rail fares, passes, and purchase options.
Take the train to work, dinner in Boston, or a baseball game without the hassle of traffic and parking headaches.
Try out the train for leisure using the new unlimited $10 weekend passes. The MBTA offers discounted fares for seniors, people with disabilities, students, and low-income adults. Customers who are blind or have low vision ride for free, and up to two children 11 and under ride for free with each fare-paying adult.
Commuter rail passes are valid on the entire MBTA bus, subway, and ferry network.

Rapid Transit—the MBTA Green Line

Subway, Metro, Tube, or T. No matter the name, rapid transit is a great alternative to Boston traffic and pricy parking rates. Affectionately known as the “T”, the Green Line (D) train serves Newton, Brookline, the Longwood medical area, and arts and cultural destinations in Boston. There are four stations within easy reach of Wellesley—Riverside and Woodland (both ADA accessible), Waban, and Eliot. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently invested over $100 million in Green Line improvements including signal and track replacements. These improvements will increase service frequency and reduce travel times.

In December 2021, the Green Line Extension opened, and now provides expanded service to Lechmere and Union Square in Boston.

In the coming weeks, look for more guest columns about transportation options in Wellesley. From rail bus, MWRTA Bus, and Micro Transit, to local bus shuttle services, school transportation and our extensive trails network, there are many opportunities to get all of us from here to there without starting up a car.

Learn More

Visit the Public Transportation pages on the Town of Wellesley website
(https://www.wellesleyma.gov/476/Public-Transportation-Parking) for detailed information on transportation options.

Here’s the plan

Find out more about the community-wide initiatives the Town is targeting to enable more mobility alternatives—from sidewalk connectivity to bike racks, road crossing lights, and bike lanes. Check out:

Wellesley’s Sustainable Mobility Plan (https://www.wellesleyma.gov/1635/Sustainable-Mobility-Plan)

AND

Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan (https://www.wellesleyma.gov/1584/Climate-Action-Plan)