CATCH Connect service sees explosive growth in ridership

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the promising progress of the CATCH Connect transportation service, which has significantly exceeded initial ridership expectations. Daniel Fitch, an IT consultant with MetroWest, reported that the service has seen a notable increase in usage, with over 20 individuals utilizing the service in just one week, resulting in a total of 66 rides across 55 trips. This growth is particularly encouraging as it surpasses the initial target of 60 rides, which was anticipated to take longer to achieve.

Fitch highlighted that the service has not only expanded its ridership but has also maintained a strong on-time performance, with wait times consistently under the 30-minute target. Additionally, improvements are being made to enhance customer communication. A new feature will allow customers who call in for a ride to receive a callback or text notification when their vehicle is approaching, set to be implemented over the weekend. This aims to address concerns regarding \"no shows\" by prompting customers to confirm their readiness for pickup.

The meeting also touched on the importance of collaboration with neighboring towns regarding voucher programs, although specific details were not discussed due to the absence of a key member. Overall, the updates on CATCH Connect reflect a positive trajectory for the service, indicating a successful response to community transportation needs.