SPONSORED CONTENT: Want to make a real difference in your community and help preserve the planet for future generations? In this series, the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee shares six practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. This post focuses on getting around sustainably.
Transportation, especially personal gas-powered vehicles, accounts for 34% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut emissions from daily travel. If you do need a car, consider switching to an electric vehicle (EV).
Curious how fuel costs compare between electric- and gas-powered cars? Check out WattPlan, our new EV comparison tool!
Drive Electric
- Massachusetts offers a rebate of up to $3,500.
- Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) offers a $250 rebate for a permanently installed Level 2 charger in the home and a $96 annual credit for off-peak charging.
- Electric vehicles allow you to save over $5,000 in maintenance costs over 5–8 years, as EVs require no oil changes or tune-ups.
- EVs are eco-friendly because they produce zero tailpipe emissions, and the electricity used can come from renewable sources.
- EVs offer enhanced performance with superior acceleration and smoother handling.
Walk or Bike
Did you know that 30% of vehicle trips are under two miles? Walking or biking reduces emissions and provides a great way to stay active. Wellesley boasts 47 miles of trails, including the ADA-compliant Brook Path.
Use Public Transportation
Wellesley offers these transportation options to help you reduce your reliance on personal vehicles:
- MWRTA CATCH Connect: A free, curb-to-curb micro-transit service that connects residents to destinations within Wellesley and to nearby MBTA Green Line T stations and Commuter Rail stations.
- MWRTA Route 1 Bus: Operated by the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), this free bus service runs between the Natick Mall and the Woodland MBTA T Station, passing through various locations in Wellesley.
- MBTA Commuter Rail: The Framingham Worcester Line runs between Worcester and Boston with three stops in Wellesley. Use mTicket with your smartphone to pay for Commuter Rail tickets.
- CharlieCard: A convenient way to pay for MBTA subways and buses.
Ready to take action?
Visit the Get Around Sustainably page to learn more.
More practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint
Ways you can reduce your carbon footprint:
Reduce your climate footprint—go solar
Reduce your climate footprint—heat and cool with heat pumps
Reduce your climate footprint—weatherize your home
