Prepared for the Milford Board of Selectman May 9, 2016

Agenda Acknowledgement Concerns about current MWRTA bus proposal Potential alternative solution and benefits Recommendations 2

Acknowledgement Citizens For Milford (CFM) strongly agrees that there is need for a public transportation system that would benefit a segment of our population who don’t own cars or who can’t drive due to age or other limitations. We acknowledge and thank Harold Rhodes, the Commission on Disability, and the Milford Board of Selectmen for bringing this need and proposal forward. 3

Concerns 4

Insufficient Demand  The Metrowest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) currently provides bus service in Milford twice per day (Monday-Friday) at no cost to the Town of Milford.  This current service connects to the commuter rail in Framingham, which connects to Boston, Worcester etc.  Typically, no more than 10 Milford residents use the current service.  Very few Milford residents will use a new bus service. Over 90% of Milford’s drivers own a car. 5

Inconvenient Access  The overwhelming majority of Milford residents live in single-family homes or apartments. With a fixed-route approach, they will be forced to walk, in many cases, great distances to and from the nearest bus stop.  Several main roads lack sidewalks or have poor lighting. This makes it impossible for seniors, disabled, and other riders to travel safely to and from the bus stop.  Bus stops lack shelter and lighting and will pose safety risks for many residents. Without a significant additional investment in infrastructure or policing of the bus stops, these bus stops pose a potential danger. 6

Inconvenient Access (continued)  The long, proposed route requires significant planning and hours of time for the riders.  Examples of Use: Senior citizens or the short-term disabled require transportation to a medical appointment after a recent injury or surgery.  A person in this circumstance cannot manage taking a bus to a physical therapy appointment or their doctor’s office after a hip or knee replacement. A resident needs to visit the grocery store to buy groceries.  After shopping, it’s impractical to carry the groceries to the bus stop and then home. 7

Cost  The current MWRTA fixed-route bus proposal is very costly to the Town of Milford’s residents. ($250,000+)  Fares collected from all riders will be retained by the MWRTA – not the Town of Milford.  New, undocumented costs for bus stop infrastructure and maintenance will add significant costs to the Town.  If on average 25 people use the service on a daily basis, it is the equivalent of spending $10,000 per person per year. 8

Lack of Control  The MWRTA will have ultimate control and management of the proposed bus service with input from Milford. 9

Traffic  The bus travels a continuous, fixed route through some of the most heavily traveled areas in town.  Frequent stops will further reduce the pace of traffic on our already busy streets.  The bus will be traveling in the main travel lane further impeding traffic flow.  The bus will cause greater delays for residents dropping off children at school and those commuting to and from work.  The long, fixed-route bus will provide slow, inefficient service and will create greater traffic problems, especially when the bus has to deviate up to 1.5 miles to pick up ADA certified riders. 10

Unchartered Territory  No other town in the MWRTA transportation system provides this “neighborhood type of service”.  Marlboro, Natick, and Framingham are all point to point service along main roads like Rte 9, Rte 20, or Rte 135.  A better and less expensive solution is available. 11

Alternatives 12

A Solution To Consider: A Door-to-Door, by Appointment Approach  Van #1: Provided by the MWRTA  As a public service, The MWRTA provides free, handicapped-accessible, 9-person vans to communities like Milford.  The van can provide door-to-door service for any Milford Senior (over age 60) or disabled person.  The service can be used for medical appointments, buying groceries, etc.(similar to our existing Senior van).  The current Senior Center van cannot keep up with demand.  The Senior Center Transportation Coordinator could manage these vans, leaving control in Milford’s hands.  The Town of Milford would pay the operating costs of the MWRTA donated van. (~$50,000)  The Town can charge a nominal user fee to reduce the net cost.  The Town would keep these fees, not the MWRTA. 13

A Solution To Consider: A Door-to-Door, by Appointment Approach  Van #2: Funded by CHNA Grant  The Town of Milford can re-apply for the $75,000 grant from the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHNA6).  The application would request a second van which would provide the same door-to-door transportation service for all Milford residents.  Maintain focus on hospital access, travel to network doctors, travel for daily needs after a surgery, etc.  The Town of Milford would be responsible for the operating costs. (~$50,000)  The Town can charge a nominal user fee to reduce the net cost.  The collected user fees would reduce the net cost.  This van would provide access to public transportation to all citizens in need at their front doors. 14

Benefits  Two vans, with no upfront costs, that are well suited for the user population.  Door-to-door, safe, convenient, quality service without waiting or walking to a central location.  Less time out of each user’s day to plan and use this service, so residents are in control of their time.  Less traffic overall with “by appointment only” service, not requiring stops along a fixed route during busy travel times.  Control and planning stays with the Town.  Significant cost savings. (~$100,000 vs over $250,000) 15

Recommendations  We recommend to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) that Article 23 proposing fixed bus route transportation be passed over so that other alternatives can be adequately researched and presented for evaluation.  CFM offers its resources to the BOS to assist in developing an objective comparison and decision that can be introduced at a future Town Meeting. 16