'Microtransit' Comes To Sudbury As MWRTA Catch Connect Starts

SUDBURY, MA — A new "micro transit" service from the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority began serving Sudbury Monday, offering on-demand rides anywhere in town and to parts of Marlborough.

The MWRTA Catch Connect service has been in use in Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and other local communities for years, offering an alternative to fixed-route buses. All you have to do is request a ride through the Catch Connect app, and a driver will pick you up.

Even better: Sudbury residents can use the service for free in July and August. The $2 fare will go into effect in September.

"[C]ustomers can travel from any location within the town of Sudbury on a fully accessible Catch Connect vehicle (usually a multi-passenger van) Monday through Friday, from noon to 6 p.m. The service will take riders to any location within Sudbury as well as the Target in Marlborough, where customers can connect with MWRTA Fixed Route 7C. Must be age 12 years or older," MWRTA described.

Catch Connect is also the first real offering from MWRTA in town in years. Although Sudbury is one of the 16 member communities served by MWRTA, the town hasn't had a transit route since a Route 20 commuter shuttle debuted in 2019 — and went away when the pandemic hit.

Learn more and download the app on the MWRTA website.