Students and faculty in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning have been studying the public transit system in Worcester in partnership with local non-profit organizations for several years and have developed preliminary proposals for establishing a novel enhancement to the current WRTA system. Irregular service, combined with slow traffic (further exacerbated during commuting hours), means that Worcester residents are experiencing challenging mobility, with the poorest and most disadvantaged particularly impacted.
Check out this Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Suitability Analysis that a Tufts graduate student conducted a few years ago: BRT in Worcester, MA
Our work seeks to advance a new/revised public transit system in Worcester to address historic injustices and create a fairer and more inclusive transportation system. We are currently partnering with the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association (WACA), Strong Towns Worcester, Rider’s Action Council, the Center for Living & Working, and others. This ongoing research and proposed action is being developed with input from a range of community-based organizations and government agencies in Worcester. The final report will be disseminated widely through a campaign to implement high-frequency bus service in Worcester.