Newton to launch expansion of local NewMo transit program
2 min read
People in Newton will be able to book $2 on-demand shared rides to several local destinations as the city expands its NewMo transit service starting Tuesday, July 6, according to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.
Officials plan for the program to operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fuller said in a statement.
The service will connect with Needham Street and the Wells Avenue Office Park area. It also will include the MBTA Green Line stops at Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and Newton Highlands, along with the Commuter Rail stations in Newtonville and Needham Heights.
The NewMo program “will dramatically expand access to and from public transit for all residents who live in any village and neighborhood of the City as well as for visitors across Newton,” Fuller said.
Anyone can download the NewMo app and sign up for the program. Those without access to a smartphone can both sign up and book a ride by calling 617-655-8019, according to the statement.
An earlier iteration of the local transportation program was launched in 2019 to transport seniors. The name is short for “Newton in Motion.”
Qualifying low-income residents can receive rides at a lower cost, according to Fuller. Those who want to learn if they qualify for discounted rates can contact Nicole Freedman at [email protected]
“This is an exciting, bold step forward. The City will review real-time data and rider feedback to continually adjust the pilot program to meet the needs and travel patterns of Newton residents and visitors,” Fuller said.
John Hilliard can be reached at [email protected]
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/YZ6XE45OTFLARLE2TC5NPLQC44.jpg)
