Regional Bus Service Extends Routes in Wayland

Riders who utilize the Metrowest Regional Transit Authority route 10 and 11 buses no longer have to trek to Cochituate Field to be picked up in Wayland.

Beginning Aug 1, those routes include stops at both the Bent Park and Cochituate School housing facilities in Wayland.

"We're so excited," said Eva Willens, executive assistant to the administrator of the MWRTA. "My goal is to make people aware that it's [MWRTA] public transportation and it's open to everyone."

Prior to this route expansion, the 10 and 11 buses stopped at Cochituate Field on West Plain Street, but Willens said that was too far for many riders, especially the MWRTA's elderly ridership, to walk.

"When we went to Cochituate ballfield, we weren't getting the ridership," she said, adding that riders began utilizing the Bent Park and Cochituate School stops as soon as those stops were incorporated into the route.

On Tuesday, Wayland Selectmen Joe Nolan, who has championed the expansion of the routes, visited with residents at Bent Park to talk about the MWRTA buses and encourage new riders to join him on a trial ride.

The lobby at Bent Park was nearly overflowing with individuals interested in learning more about the service. In fact, Willens said it was a much larger group than she was accustomed to seeing at similar presentations.

"I think a lot of people see these buses go by, but they're not sure what they are," Willens said. She said the buses can accommodate 18 seated passengers and several standing riders at a time, but do not look like typical mass transit buses. She also said that the buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and riders who cannot step up into the bus.

"We want a safe, reliable service that anyone can access," Willens said.

The Bus 10 and 11 routes stop at locations such as the Natick Collection, the West Natick MBTA station, Roche Bros., the Metrowest Medical Center (Leonard Morse Hospital) and the Natick Senior Center. Perhaps most importantly, at least to the crowd at Tuesday's presentation, the buses also stop at Dairy Queen.

In addition to the official stops, Willens explained to the group, the bus drivers will make additional stops along the route as requested by riders.

The Route 10 bus operates from Cochituate School and Bent Park  hourly from about 7:15 a.m.-7:10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday service on Route 10 is available from about 10:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

The Route 11 bus services the new locations hourly from about 8:51 a.m.-1:51 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cash fares are $1.50 for adults, $1 for students and $.75 for seniors and disabled riders. Charlie Cards are accepted and offer additional fare discounts.