Get ready to participate in walk, bike and roll to school day on Wednesday, Oct. 12. It’s a healthy, safe, and fun way to start the school year. If enough people participate, the event also potentially reduces traffic and emissions in town for the day.
Wellesley’s elementary schools — Bates, Fiske, Hardy, Schofield, Sprague, and Upham — are regular participants in the yearly effort, as are the middle and high schools. A whole lot of middle school students came out for the The Wellesley Rules of the Ride biking event earlier this month. They are excited to explore the town more independently and safely on their bicycles. Thanks to volunteers and the Wellesley Police Department, the students now have more skills and confidence to do so.
Parents that stayed while students rode in the bike trains discussed other mobility opportunities including Catch Connect which offers FREE van rides around Wellesley and useful neighboring spots for folks 12 and over Monday-Friday 6.45am-6.45pm. Learn more about the biking event, Catch Connect and the other mobility options in town here. The weather is good, so this is the prime time to try out new mobility options in town. More than 30% of our emissions come from transportation in and around. Like what you say? How about FREE rides around Wellesley and useful neighboring spots on the Catch Connect van service for folks 12 and over. Try taking the train to Natick or Boston; the T to the Red Sox game; walk, scoot, or bike to work, to friend's houses and to do errands this month.
While you are trying new transportation options, try combining your Amazon deliveries (maybe your neighbors too) to 1 x a week to reduce truck deliveries in town. These are all part of Town of Wellesley's Sustainable Mobility Plan which also includes more sidewalk connectivity, new bike racks and bike repair stations, more road crossing lights, bike lanes, and electric vehicle charging stations. Fares are still being waived on the Metro West Rapid Transit Authority's Catch Connect door to door bus service in Wellesley. Riders 12 and older can ride unaccompanied. More information is here on this curb-to-curb MicroTransit system. Use the app to book a ride when you are ready. Rides are provided on a first come first served basis and service any address within the Town of Wellesley, as well as: Newton Wellesley Hospital, Natick Community Center, Woodland MBTA Station, Waban MBTA Station.
Riders can make transfers to other transit systems: - MWRTA Route 1 at Woodland - MWRTA Routes 10 & 11 at Natick Community Center - MBTA Fram/Worc Commuter Rail Line via Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills, or Wellesley Farms Commuter Rail Stations - MBTA GreenLine via Woodland or Waban T Station Please click here to view a service map. Service Hours: 6:45AM - 6:45PM, Monday-Friday The Town of Wellesley is celebrating momentum in our community with a May is Mobility Month campaign to encourage residents to try a variety of mobility opportunities that are available in Wellesley. From commuting by public transportation or using micro transit service, to walking, biking & rolling to school and work, residents can re-evaluate their own transportation behaviors and consider making changes that contribute to a healthier lifestyle, improve the environment, and help reduce the harmful impact of climate change.
Throughout May, the Town is collaborating with state and regional transportation groups and local nonprofits to highlight opportunities and events focused on mobility. These include: May -- Bike Month May 4 -- Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day May 12 -- Wellesley Municipal Light Plant & Sustainable Wellesley Electric Vehicle (EV) test drive event May 22 -- Wellesley Police Department & Kiwanis Club of Wellesley Kids’ Bike Rodeo (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) All month - FREE Catch Connect micro transit service in and around Wellesley All month - Wellesley Trails Committee trails walks All month - Wellesley Green Schools Idle Free campaign Transportation contributes to 43% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Wellesley. In the coming weeks, the Town will be running a series of online columns – written by local leaders – in The Swellesley Report with information on transportation alternatives for residents. Watch for these weekly guest posts beginning on Wednesday, May 4 and running through Wednesday, June 1 for ideas on ways to get from here to there without using your car. Sustainable Mobility Plan Launching Soon In mid-May, the Town will launch its Sustainable Mobility Plan that outlines the community-wide initiatives and actions Wellesley government is targeting to enable more mobility alternatives, from sidewalk connectivity to bike racks, road crossing lights, and bike lanes for everyone. This plan was developed with input from many individuals in our community, and co-funded by the Planning Board and the Select Board. This plan will guide the Town in mobility decisions in the years to come. The Sustainable Mobility Plan will be used together with Wellesley’s recently launched Climate Action Plan as a roadmap for Town officials, community and business leaders to help Wellesley meet town and state climate goals: achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040. Time to get moving, Wellesley! Join the Zoom TONIGHT at 7.30pm to hear one woman's story how she walked away from tailpipe emissions and is loving her electric car. Its a great way you can take real action.
Register here. Sharon Kirby, a member of Sustainable Wellesley, generally tries to “do the right thing.” When it was time to buy a new car, she did her homework, ultimately choosing an Electric Vehicle (EV). She is so thrilled with her choice that she offered to share her research with us in this simple half-hour presentation. She has some surprising discoveries about Electric Vehicles and Hybrids. There will be plenty of time for questions afterward. For car lovers, prepare to get excited and know you will be defending the planet as well. Believe it or not, 43% of Wellesley’s carbon emissions are due to the use of gas and diesel vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines. In other words, transportation in and around Wellesley is one of the single largest cause of greenhouse gases in our town. So when you drive; drive electric. There are a variety of mobility options in and around Wellesley. If you are in the market for a car- new or pre-owned - small or large - join the conversation tonight and/or head over to the parking lot next to the library to see a variety of electric and hybrid cars this Saturday, October 2nd from 1-4pm. See and talk to owners of Polestar 2 Mustang Mach-E Tesla Model Y Audi e-tron SUV MINI Countryman Plug-In Hyundai KONA Chevrolet Bolt Chevrolet Volt Toyota Prius Prime Tesla Model 3 Volkswagen ID.4 Nissan LEAF Chrysler Pacifica Register here or just come on by. Both events are free and open to all. Ask about incentives on electric vehicles! Considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), or just want to better understand what it’s like to own and drive one?
Transportation accounts for 43% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The Town of Wellesley has set an ambitious climate goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and 75% reduction by 2040. Driving an EV is one way you can reduce your environmental impact and help our community reach these goals. Learn more about electric vehicles at three upcoming events to help you become an informed buyer: Thursday September 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Energy New England Drives Electric Learn about new EV choices available this year and get your questions answered by EV experts at this National Drive Electric Week virtual event. Sign-up here. Thursday September 30, 7:30 p.m. EVs, PHEVs, Hybrids: Car Options for Today Sharon Kirby, a Wellesley resident and EV owner, will share her firsthand perspective on EVs and answer attendee questions at this Sustainable Wellesley virtual event. Sign-up here. Saturday October 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wellesley EV Showcase (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) View different makes and models of EVs in-person and chat with Wellesley residents about their experiences owning and driving EVs. This event takes place at the Cameron Street parking lot in Wellesley. Sign-up here. EVs are fun to drive and more affordable than ever, thanks to a $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 Massachusetts state rebate, and a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount. And the savings continue, because an EV owner can save up to $1,000 per year on fuel and maintenance costs when compared to a traditional gas powered vehicle. “We can all help combat climate change by choosing an EV the next time we buy or lease a new or used car," said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. "The U.S., along with more than 140 other nations, the state of Massachusetts, and Wellesley are actively working to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We all can make a difference.” ABOUT These EV events and information are offered at no cost to all residents through a partnership between: Sustainable Wellesley, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that engages residents, businesses and the town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice. The Wellesley Climate Action Committee which engages our community and establishes goals, actions, metrics, and implementation blueprints for building resilience and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Wellesley Drives Electric, a program offered by the Municipal Light Plant to inform Wellesley residents about the benefits of driving an electric car and the electric utility bill savings available by charging an EV at home overnight. Contact Terry Connolly, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant for more detail at 781-489-7766 or at [email protected]. Create Healthy Habits While Helping Wellesley Reduce Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The new school year is a chance to begin new routines. Recent climate studies show that 30% of Wellesley's traffic is school-related transportation. Instead of driving, start some new school traditions this fall. - Get together with friends and walk to school - Form neighborhood walking groups with other parents, caretakers, families – take turns leading the group. - Ride bikes or scooters with neighbors. -Check in with the Wellesley Public Schools to see if there is space on the bus: it is free if you live more than 2 miles from school. More information on Wellesley's upcoming “Safe Routes to School” walking and biking initiative is coming out soon. Learn more about it from the Town's Mobility Committee members (see below). Better yet, consider participating in it by serving as a parent representative for your school. Wellesley Select Board member Colette Aufranc at [email protected] Wellesley School Committee Chair Catherine Mirick at [email protected] The Federal Tax Credit, MA State Rebate, and Drive Green Dealer Discounts Can Lower the Purchase Price of an Electric Vehicle
The town of Wellesley is striving to achieve a 50 percent, community-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Transportation currently accounts for 43 percent of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are an important part of Wellesley’s emissions reduction strategy along with increased biking, walking, and use of public transit. For those considering buying a new EV, current federal tax credit, state rebate, and Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green programs offer significant savings. The Drive Green program, for example, offers negotiated dealer discounts on EVs from a range of makers, including Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, making it easy to compare prices and find a dealership with knowledgeable sales staff. Special offers on pre-owned EV and hybrid vehicles are also available. Tesla EVs are not part of the Drive Green program. “Transportation, along with buildings, is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley,” said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. “Every one of us can help combat climate change by replacing older, gas-powered vehicles with EVs. EV purchase incentives make it more cost-effective for each of us to do our part.” As one example, a new Hyundai Kona Electric, an EV with a battery range of 258 miles, is now available for just $24,497. Normally retailing for $38,575, this EV is available now for $14,078 less, thanks to a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount, a federal tax credit, and the state of Massachusetts MOR-EV rebate: $38,575 Retail price ($4,078) Drive green dealer discount ($2,500) MA state rebate ($7,500) Federal tax credit $24,497 Final effective price To learn about the Green Energy Consumer Alliance, click here. To learn more about Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan, click here. To comment or ask a question, email [email protected]. There are electric car charging stations everywhere you want to go this summer.
Its possible to relax at the beach, enjoy parks, visit family and friends all without using a drop of fuel! Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Use Plugshare or ChargePoint to find convenient places to charge your car. We would love to hear about your recent EV purchase and your experiences. Please share them at [email protected]. Know that driving less and driving electric are impactful ways you can help Wellesley, Mass., and the federal government reach greenhouse gas reduction goals and build resiliency. Give input on Wellesley's Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP).
As part of the SMP, the Town has launched a series of short surveys to gather more information on a range of mobility topics. Each survey takes five minutes or less to complete. Please respond to as many or few that apply to your travel and spread the word to friends and family. The most recent survey asks about school travel and is designed for either students or parents. Your input is important as we seek ways to make low impact travel modes (walking, biking, buses) safer and more attractive. In addition to the school survey, we encourage you to take any previous surveys that apply to how you travel, get deliveries, and plan for future travel. The first five of 10 surveys are available at this link under the “Wellesley Wheelhouse” Tab. So far the topics focus on: Survey 1- Work from Home trends Survey 2 - Biking and E-bicycles Survey 3 - Use of Ridehailing Services (e.g. Uber and Lyft) Survey 4 - Use of E-commerce Survey 5 - School Travel In the future watch for surveys on autonomous vehicles, bikability, use of food delivery services, microtransit, and electric vehicles. If you have questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your help with this community project! |
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