Additional RCCs will launch in 2014. If you are interested in learning more about your region's RCC, please contact us. The next SCCCT meeting is scheduled for January 24, with a snow date of January 27. Meeting details are available on the MassDOT calendar.

On December 11, the MBTA board voted to reduce THE RIDE fare from $4 to $3 as of January 6, 2014. The fare has been $4 since July 2012, when it doubled from its previous $2 rate - in contrast to average fare increases of 23% across all modes. As a result, riders reported that the increased expense caused them to reduce their trips and cut back in other areas, such as spending less on groceries, medicine, or social activities. The Massachusetts Senior Action Council has been campaigning against the fare increase.

In December, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) launched shuttle service in Grafton, Northbridge, Paxton, and Westborough. Two daily routes connecting Grafton and Northbridge began on December 2. A shuttle in Paxton connecting Anna Maria College to Worcester Union Station on Wednesdays and Fridays launched on December 11.

Service also launched on December 2 in Westborough. The Westborough shuttle connects commuters from the Westborough MBTA commuter rail station to an office park that includes BJ's Wholesale Club and other large employers. The commuter shuttle runs once in the morning, once mid-day, and twice in the evening. At other points in the day, the shuttle runs a local route around town.

Flag stops are accepted outside of Worcester on all routes except the Westborough commuter shuttle, meaning that the shuttle will stop to pick passengers up or drop them off at safe locations even without a designated bus stop. In addition, ADA-eligible riders can call in advance to request these services to flex off their routes. More information is available on WRTA's website.

Starting in spring 2014, MBTA subway, light rail, and 15 key bus routes will run until 3 AM Friday and Saturday nights. The MBTA will pilot late-night service for a year and then assess whether to continue. For the pilot year, the MBTA will charge the same fare for late-night service as for service at other times. To fund this initiative, Governor Patrick identified some state resources and is also working to secure private dollars from area companies. The Boston Globe has pledged $500,000.

Congratulations to Doug Halley, Health Director for the Town of Acton, for receiving the Donald R. Wheeler Award for Public Sector Leadership from the 495/MetroWest Partnership on December 5. Doug has worked very hard to bring local players together to form the Crosstown Connect regional transportation partnership that counts the towns of Acton, Boxborough, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow along with employer partner Clock Tower Place as members. Additional partners are also working to join the municipally-led Transportation Management Association that Crosstown Connect is forming. Please join us in congratulating Doug and Crosstown Connect.

On January 14, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, HST, and MassDOT - will convene a Transportation Equity Forum to promote transportation services for populations who historically have had problems accessing, paying for, or receiving transportation that meets all of their trip-making needs. These target populations include seniors, minorities, people with low incomes, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, veterans, and/or people living in zero-vehicle households in the MPO region. The Boston MPO region covers 101 cities and towns in Greater Boston. Attendees will hear from a panel and will then split into geographic breakout sessions to discuss needs and opportunities in their regions. Meeting details are available from the MPO, and they ask attendees to RSVP by January 6.

To learn about more events like this one, check out our calendar of mobility management events and funding opportunities for Massachusetts.

In preparation for the launch of a Regional Coordination Council in Southeastern Massachusetts, stakeholders are conducting a needs assessment survey. If you work for an agency or organization in Southeastern Massachusetts that serves low-income individuals, seniors, or people with disabilities, and you would like to participate in a regional transportation survey, please contact Mary Basilone at mbasilone@gatra.org or Angie Azevedo at aazevedo@srpedd.org.

On January 1, the monthly benefit that employers can offer to employees tax-free to cover transit and vanpool commuting will reduce from $245 to $130, while tax-free benefits for driving and parking will increase to $250. Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon has introduced legislation to extend the transit benefit and maintain parity, but Congress has yet to vote on the bill.

Aniko Laszlo, Statewide Mobility Manager at MassDOT, blogs monthly on topics related to community transportation in Massachusetts. This month, she discusses data on changes in American travel habits and considers the implications for mobility management. Check out her current posting and archives to learn about ongoing efforts around the state.

Are you on Twitter? If so, follow us @MassMobility for links to community transportation resources relevant to organizations and agencies here in Massachusetts. If you aren't on Twitter, you can still see our posts online at twitter.com/MassMobility/.

What social media are you using? Let us know where you like to find information and where you like to share information.

If you have suggestions for news items or topics to cover in future newsletters, please contact us. Comments, questions, and feedback are also welcome.

Please forward this newsletter widely to others who are interested in mobility management, community transportation, or related topics and encourage them to subscribe to receive future newsletters and publications.