MWRTA To Roll Out New Rte. 20 Shuttle & Phone App

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) is trying out a new way for riders to communicate with bus dispatchers in an effort to limit delays. A new mobile app will be rolled out to MWRTA commuter shuttle riders so they can give feedback on performance. The riders using the phone application will be able to use the app to connect with dispatchers to give and receive trip information.

Riders on the commuter shuttles, which link with the MBTA’s Green Line and commuter rail trains, will get the app first. After that it will be offered to all riders of MWRTA fixed-service bus routes.

The app is expected to begin in late summer / early fall.

"The purpose of the app is for MWRTA to receive feedback from riders, and use the feedback to improve schedule times, stop locations, and overall service," said a spokesperson for the MWRTA.

The mobile app is one of two pilot programs being rolled out this year. The Mass. Department of Transportation gave the MWRTA $700,000 in grant funding to test methods to improve regional bus service.

The second pilot program is a new shuttle running along the Route 20 corridor. Starting at the Wayside Country Store in Marlborough, the shuttle will pick up passengers from Sudbury and Wayland along the way.

The shuttle would bring riders to MBTA’s Riverside station in Newton, offering easy access to the Green Line. Commuters from Boston could also used the shuttle to get to jobs along the Route 20 corridor and into Marlborough.

The shuttle service is also expected to begin in late summer / early fall as well.