November 4, 2019 To: Massachusetts department of Transportation Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
[email protected] cc: Senator Jason Lewis Representative Paul Brodeur Representative Donald H. Wong Thank you for the opportunity to submit the Town of Wakefield’s MBTA pilot proposals. Wakefield is fortunate to be serviced by two commuter rail stops (Wakefield Station and Greenwood, via the Haverhill line) and two bus routes (136 and 137). As indicated by your recent passenger counts, hundreds of individuals use Wakefield’s MBTA service each day. The ideas proposed are the direct result of public input. To determine what adjustments to propose, we gained feedback from individuals via the attached survey. The survey was available electronically, and physical copies were available at our library. It was open for the entire month of August 2019. There were 295 responses, 98 percent of whom were Wakefield residents. A majority of respondents (95%) utilized the MBTA during weekdays and 35 percent rode on weekends. Residents also provided feedback during Town Councilors’ office hours and via email with these representatives. Wakefield’s Zoning Board is currently deliberating on petitions that would add 491 residential units throughout town. Several large developments would be located steps from the Greenwood and Wakefield commuter rail stations, likely drawing tenants specifically looking to use the MBTA. Others are in close proximity to, or directly on, current bus routes. It is critical that we prepare for these public‐transit‐ oriented residents. According to our research, 62 percent of respondents take a non‐preferred form of transportation to their destinations (walking, taxi, Uber) at least once per month because the MBTA schedule isn’t convenient.