Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation – Quaboag Connector

Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation’s Quaboag Connector is a rural transportation service developed through community collaboration and input to connect underserved rural residents of 10 Quaboag Valley communities with  services and resources outside their area, such as health care and employment. While the Connector serves the general public, it prioritizes rides for older adults, people with disabilities and people with low incomes.

What makes this innovative?

The Connector is an accessible, affordable, demand-response, curb-to-curb service in a rural area largely unserved by regional transit. There are few sidewalks, traffic lights, streetlights or bike lanes in the region. Funded with FTA Section 5310 and 5311 funds plus private funding, rides are low or no cost, regardless of the rider’s location or distance traveled to a destination in the service area. The Connector provides on average 1,000 rides per month, primarily for employment and medical appointments. Sixty-seven percent of rides have been for older adults and people with disabilities, and services have been expanded to meet the needs of specific populations:

› In 2022 the Connector took over Ware Senior Van Service, increasing access and extending hours of travel for older adults in Ware.

› Baystate Health Convenient Care Van provides no cost, non-emergency medical transportation (Medicaid NEMT) to any Baystate Health facility in a 10-town service area through a partnership with Baystate Wing Hospital.

› The Palmer Rides to Work program provides half-priced rides for low-income residents traveling to work, work-related training and job interviews.

Lessons Learned and Replication Advice:

› Find out what makes riders feel safe and comfortable and what they need from a local transportation service when designing and developing a new transportation program. Paying attention to community feedback will help ensure success.

› Dedicate at least one vehicle for a new program such as the Connector, preferably wheelchair accessible, and a place to keep it. Funding for fuel, maintenance and repairs is also necessary.

› Plan for additional staff resources for implementing program operations, applying for funding, reporting, and ensuring compliance.

› Develop printed materials to advertise the service in the community.