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The Town of Sudbury recently conducted an online survey, called a “FlashVote,” to gather resident perspectives on the bevy of transportation programs operating in Sudbury these days. There are six transportation programs currently providing services in Sudbury:
1. Sudbury Connection Van Service
2. MWRTA Dial-a-Ride: Sudbury Connection Van Service Supplement
3. Go Sudbury! Taxi Rides Program
4. Go Sudbury! Uber Rides Program
5. Catch Connect Sudbury
6. Sudbury-Wayland Boston Hospital Shuttle
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, service areas, service hours and costs. While it would appear that there’s something for everyone, the Flashvote revealed that surprisingly few residents know about most of these services. The Senior Center Van was the option that the most respondents had heard about, with the MWRTA’s Catch Connect service coming in second. “None of these” was a close third, while none of the other four services cracked 20 percent.
The survey showed a strong dependence, or even preference for using personal vehicles to get around. 84 percent of responses said they haven’t used Sudbury services more often or at all because they “have a vehicle.” Another 42 percent said it was because they “Don’t know enough about them.”
While respondents demonstrated a preference for personal vehicles, a question remains if a communications gap is deflating what would be otherwise heavier use of the services.
The survey also demonstrated that the services that are most in-demand are a little different from what’s being offered. Residents voiced a strong desire for shuttles to commuter rail stations or Logan Express in Framingham. Notably, after-school shuttles took third place, while 19 percent said that none of the options suggested “sound faster or easier to me.”
As is tradition in Sudbury, the open response section was at times harsh. One resident said “No, but I do not get why this is a concern; this is a semi rural suburb that would require a personal vehicle regardless, and we have no sidewalks. It seems like a waste of money to me.”
One theme in the open response question was a focus on sidewalk improvements and connections to the rail trails. “Bikeshare would be a huge improvement! We also need protected bike lanes (or sidewalks at the very least!) on major roads so people can ride safely. The rail trail is great since it goes directly to the West Concord CR, but unless you live right near the rail trail, you have to ride on some dangerous roads to get there.” Another resident replied “I think Sidewalks should get some focus – Quality and locations. Connector pathways/sidewalks from the new bike path to businesses and community locations (library, schools, grocery, etc.).”
Several residents voiced their satisfaction with the services “I think it’s working just fine. We’re lucky to have it,” and other residents were happy to learn about the services, with one saying “Am a relatively new 55+ resident and am glad to learn more about Sudbury transportation options. Thanks!” Another resident spoke out for vulnerable populations “I don’t use a lot of the services personally, but my neighbors who are seniors or people with disabilities rely on them. I think they’re great to have!”
Many questioned the use of tax dollars on the programs. “Outside of senior transportation Sudbury should not be wasting tax dollars on public transportation. The low amount of use does not justify the cost.” Another said “This is an issue that doesn’t exist for most residents. Do something that benefits citizens tax payers for a change.”
Some of the commentary seemed to be assuming that local taxpayers were funding all the programs. At least $250K in free cash has been appropriated for transportation programs ($100K in 2022, and $150K 2023). The Select Board also allocated $135K in ARPA funds (Page 77) to transportation programs, and the Transportation Committee has also brought in grant funding and other subsidies.
It’s unclear what the results of the FlashVote mean for Sudbury’s transportation services moving forward. While residents don’t appear to have a lot of knowledge about the programs or their funding sources, the results illustrate that Sudbury residents have strong opinions about public transportation, rail trails, after school programming, walkability, traffic, and services for vulnerable populations.