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Sudbury transportation committee agrees paying $80,000 Catch Connect invoice is feasible, discusses shuttle extension and emergency Uber rides
Summary
The Sudbury Transportation Committee on Dec. 12 reviewed Go Sudbury finances, agreed it was feasible to pay an $80,000 Catch Connect invoice using available funds, discussed extending the hospital shuttle contract through June and tasked a social worker to define criteria for a proposed emergency Uber rides pilot.
The Sudbury Transportation Committee on Dec. 12, 2025 agreed it was feasible to pay an $80,000 invoice to Catch Connect to continue transportation services and discussed steps to sustain the Go Sudbury program as ARPA funds approach expiration.
Chair Daniel Carty said the revised Go Sudbury costs reflect a notable decrease and reported that "90 participants were enrolled and no one had been turned away for vouchers." Adam Burney added the committee had provided three taxi rides at a combined cost of about $90 and that the taxi company had not yet submitted bills.
The committee discussed using available funds, including free cash, to cover the Catch Connect invoice; Dan Carty said he would ask the Select Board about data requirements for any future funding request, noting that ARPA funds expire at the end of the calendar year and that warrant articles are due Jan. 30.
Members also reviewed Catch Connect program data and agreed any Select Board presentation should include both quantitative metrics and rider testimonials. The hospital shuttle contract was reported to have approximately $80,500 remaining and committee members discussed extending that contract through June. Adam Burney said he has the paperwork to finalize the extension once the Town Manager authorizes it.
The committee discussed setting up an emergency Uber rides pilot for Go Sudbury participants to cover after-hours or urgent needs. Members debated how to define an "emergency," potential limits on usage, and whether access should be self-service or require approval by a social worker. Kirsten Wilcox, Community Social Worker, was tasked with further defining emergency criteria and coordinating with staff; the committee agreed emergency rides should be separate from longer-term transportation arrangements.
On voucher management, committee members noted current tracking shows usage aligned with established thresholds. Adam Burney raised concerns about unused vouchers and whether to address consistent non-use; Jill Dube, Senior Center Assistant Director/Outreach Coordinator, said voucher management "had not been problematic" and the committee agreed to continue monitoring unused and partially used vouchers.
Procedural business included approval of minutes for Sept. 5 and Nov. 14, both passed by unanimous roll call vote. Adam Burney moved to adjourn and Alice Sapienza seconded; the adjournment carried by unanimous roll call and the meeting ended at 11:29 AM. The committee scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM via Zoom; Nickole Boardman noted she would be absent.
Votes at a glance: • Approval of minutes (Sept. 5, 2025): motion by Alice Sapienza, seconded by Adam Burney; roll call unanimous (Daniel Carty, Alice Sapienza, Cheryl Wallace, Adam Burney, Nickole Boardman) — approved. • Approval of minutes (Nov. 14, 2025): motion by Adam Burney, seconded by Alice Sapienza; roll call unanimous (same members) — approved. • Adjournment: motion by Adam Burney, seconded by Alice Sapienza; roll call unanimous — approved.
What happens next: Chair Carty will follow up with the Select Board about data requirements for a future funding request; the Town Manager must authorize any hospital shuttle contract extension; Kirsten Wilcox will develop and report recommended emergency-ride criteria to the committee.
