Sudbury Reducing Free Ride Service Due To Funding Shortfall

SUDBURY, MA — The popular Go Sudbury! low-cost and free rideshare service will begin scaling back rides next month due to a funding shortfall.

Go Sudbury! has been in operation since 2020 using a combination of state and town-appropriated funds. According to the Sudbury Transportation Committee, the service is running low on funds in early 2023, and will begin limiting individual trips in February.

The committee is waiting on a grant from MassDevelopment to refresh funding.

"Unfortunately, these new monthly ride limitations are necessary due to a program funding shortage while we attempt to continue the Go Sudbury! Programs in a limited capacity until additional funding can be secured," the committee said.

Starting Feb. 1, users will be limited to six one-way rides per month (or three roundtrip rides) in regular yellow taxi cabs. Trips in Uber cars will be limited to four one-way trips (or two round trips).

Rides via yellow cab are totally free using Go Sudbury!, but Uber rides require a copay starting at $3 for trips under five miles. The program has some age and residency requirements. Find full details on the town website.

It's unclear how long the cutbacks will last, but the committee said it hopes to know within two months.

Although close to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority service area, Sudbury does not have a connection to local transit routes. The closest connection is either at the intersection of Route 20 and Hager Road at the Marlborough line or the Nobscot Shopping Center along Edmands Road in Framingham.