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. Twenty‐six percent report needing alternative transportation once per week. Survey and schedule analysis leads us to propose the following improvements that, according to your guidelines, include “additional frequency, hours of operation, or new route(s) that require little to no capital investment for the MBTA.” 1. Eliminate Greenwood Station bypass on the 5:15 p.m. commuter rail (train 215) The 5:15 p.m. outbound train leaving North Station previously serviced Greenwood Station and now bypasses the stop. We suggest the 5:15 p.m. train’s service be reinstated. Currently, commuters living in or parked at that area have a 47‐minute gap between outbound train service (4:48 p.m. or 5:35 p.m.). o “Additional stops in Greenwood on commuter rail.” o “At night there should be more options that stop at Greenwood.” o “I wish the 5:15 departure from North Station stopped at Greenwood.” o “The 5:15 (#215) train from North Station doesn't stop at Greenwood.” 2. Increase evening bus options from Oak Grove A common theme from respondents was the need for additional buses leaving Oak Grove in the evening and on weekends. Commuters commented that there were more options to travel to work via bus in the morning than coming home in the evening. o “The evening (bus) schedule is limited and…commuters often have to wait for several Orange Line trains before there is enough room to board.” o “Evening buses leaving Oak Grove need to increase.” o “More buses from Oak Grove to Reading Depot at evening rush hour.” o “More frequency of buses from Oak Grove to Reading Depot (3pm‐6pm)” We also heard that a bus on Saturday that left after 8 p.m. would be beneficial for weekend staff and residents attending Boston‐based events. o “The last (outbound weekend) bus is…way too early for weekend employees and others” o “Bus schedule extremely poor on weekends.” 3. Increase capacity of inbound commuter rail trains While overcrowding was a major issue that surfaced for both the bus and rail, at a minimum we propose adding more cars to existing trains in the morning. o “The longer trains/additional cars make a tremendous difference on our line” o “(The morning train) doesn’t have enough capacity ‐‐ needs more cars” o “More train cars so there is seating” o “The MBTA often sends 4‐car trains (it needs to be at least 5 cars) as the Haverhill line is well‐ traveled.” o “(The morning) train from Wakefield to North Station doesn't have enough capacity” 4. Add Farm Street / Hemlock Road bus service We are fortunate that our two bus routes pass our middle school on Main Street. Our high school and regional vocational high school, located at the intersection of Farm Street and Hemlock Road, do not benefit from bus service. We suggest bringing a 6:45 p.m. inbound service to the area. o Almost 30 Boston‐based students currently attend Wakefield High School via the METCO program. The Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School, located next door, is attended by 178 students based in Malden and Melrose (2018/19 enrollment). o Both of these groups would benefit from inbound service, especially if they remain onsite for sports, enrichment activities, or studies after their typical after‐school transportation has left. Most activities are concluded by 6:30 p.m. o Wakefield High School bussing is a student‐paid service. The late bus leaves at 3:15 p.m. and brings students as far south as the Greenwood commuter‐rail area of Main Street. The Metro Tech School has late buses to Melrose and Malden that leave at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. o If additional bus routes were added in Wakefield, 64 percent of respondents indicated they would use the service. o The High School region of Wakefield was indicated as the top area that would benefit from service (69%). o “High school students would benefit from bus service to and from the square and high school.” o “Students can't get anywhere after school without a car or a driving parent if they don't take the school bus and this especially applies to our METCO students who stay way after their late bus.” Additional Findings Though not in the scope of the proposal, we wanted to share additional insight gained from our research. A repeated concern is the lack of accessibility at both our commuter rail stations. It is disappointing that neither Wakefield nor Greenwood can service our entire population. The Greenwood platform, in particular, is difficult to navigate even for riders who do not live with a disability. o “Greenwood station NEEDS platforms” o “It can be extremely dangerous for the (elderly and children) to have to make that giant step.” I look forward to your feedback on this proposal and discussing next steps. Sincerely, Stephen P. Maio Town Administrator Community Outreach Social media postings Website announcements Printed posters Informational cards distributed by Town Councilors The MBTA and Department of Transportation are allowing municipalities to propose service pilots for bus and commuter rail frequency, route, or hours of operation. As part of the proposal process, the Town of Wakefield would like to understand our commuter base and gain feedback on the commuter rail line and 136/137 bus routes that service Wakefield. The following questions relate to Wakefield's rail service and Route 136/137 buses specifically. 1. Are you a Wakefield resident? Yes No 2. How often do you take the bus? Daily Several times per week Several times per month Occasionally for appointments or events throughout the year Never 3. Which bus route do you most frequently take? 136 137 My stop can utilize either bus, so I take both 4. How often do you take the commuter rail? Daily Several times per week Several times per month Occasionally for appointments or events throughout the year Never 5. Which commuter rail stop do you use most frequently? Wakefield Station (North Ave.) Greenwood Station (Main Street) 6. If the schedule allowed for either, which mode of transportation would you prefer to take? Q Bus Q Commuter rail Q I have no preference 7. Do you typically use bus and/or commuter rail services on: Q Weekdays Q Weekends Q I use the service on both weekdays and weekends 8. Monday through Friday, at what times do you most often board the bus or commuter rail? (select all that apply based on your round-trip commute) □ 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. □ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. □ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. □ 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. □ 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. □ 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. □ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. □ After 8 p.m. 9. Saturday and Sunday, at what times do you most often board the bus or commuter rail? (select all that apply based on your round-trip commute) □ 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. □ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. □ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. □ 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. □ 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. □ 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. □ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. □ After 8 p.m. 10. How do you most often travel to your bus/rail stop? Q Drive Q Walk Q Ride my bike Q Am dropped off by a friend/family member Q Other (please specify) 11. How often do you typically take a non-preferred form of transportation to your destination (walking, taxi, Uber) because the MBTA schedule isn't convenient? Q At least once per week Q At least once per month Q Rarely / Never 12. Would you utilize bus service if there were additional routes throughout Wakefield? Q Yes Q No 13. What areas of Wakefield do you think would benefit from increased bus service? (Check all that apply) D Woodville/high school area D Doyle School area D Walton School area D Other (please specify) 14.