City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts

Chairperson Councilor Bergman read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

Chairperson Councilor Bergman read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed the origins of the item before the Standing Committee.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized the following speakers:
1. Adam Theilker, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item
2. Anne Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item
3. (Name indiscernible), Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item

Chairperson Councilor Bergman discussed various concerns that have been brought forward to the Standing Committee by the public, including how best to increase ridership, as well as the cancellation of routes that are seemingly popular, such as the route passing the city’s EcoTarium.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed the need for maintaining the WRTA’s fare-free system, how the WRTA plans to manage route cancellations and how the WRTA communicates their information to the public with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who discussed improper bus signage posted throughout the city, businesses who must clean bus shelters adjacent to their property, whether the WRTA benefits from utilizing yellow cabs for para-transit and whether the WRTA could utilize a bus route that passes the city’s EcoTarium with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a list of all businesses responsible for cleaning and maintaining bus shelters during winter storm events.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman discussed the ridership numbers for the previous year, how the WRTA decides which bus stop locations get shelters and why the WRTA should or should not allow patrons to eat food on the busses with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed various community initiatives being brought forth the improve the WRTA with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized the WRTA Administrator, who discussed various initiatives being spearheaded by the WRTA, such as coordinating with the city’s Transportation and Mobility Department, engaging with the community and bringing more electric busses to the organization’s fleet.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman discussed the organization’s marketing efforts and whether ridership has increased since fare-free ridership has been enacted with the WRTA Administrator and WRTA Deputy Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson discussed the positive impact that increased ridership has on the community with the WRTA Administrator and WRTA Deputy Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized Councilor Nguyen, who discussed increasing the numbers of shelters available to residents, how follow-up associated with ensuring para-transit needs are met and how bus drivers will be allowed to provide feedback regarding the organization with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman discussed ensuring increased public engagement through supporting hybrid in-person and remote solutions for WRTA public meetings with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman recognized the following speakers:
4. (Name indiscernible), Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item
5. Anne Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item
6. Ace (No last name given), Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to the item

Chairperson Councilor Bergman discussed revenue sources available to the WRTA to continue fare-free practices with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Bergman moved to recommend the item be placed on file.

Recommend File

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a list of all businesses responsible for cleaning and maintaining bus shelters during winter storm events.