Hingham Approves MBTA Bus Route Changes to Connect Ferry Terminal with Downtown

Select Board unanimously backs plan to extend Route 220 service to shipyard, eliminate two parking spaces to accommodate new stops

HINGHAM - July 1 and 15 - The Hingham Select Board unanimously approved changes to MBTA Route 220 bus service that will connect the Hingham Shipyard ferry terminal directly to downtown, creating what officials hope will be a boost for local tourism and commerce.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority presented the proposal at Monday night's Select Board meeting, seeking approval to extend all weekday and weekend Route 220 trips to the ferry terminal and eliminate two parking spaces on Shipyard Drive to accommodate new bus stops.

"I think it does help us make that connection, and I think we need to publicize it," said Select Board Chair Bill Ramsey. "So we want to attract more people to Hingham. We want to connect them. We want to let them know you can get off the ferry. There's a bus right there. You can get into downtown."

The route change, set to begin Aug. 24, will eliminate two existing stops on Lincoln Street but add inbound and outbound stops directly outside the ferry terminal. MBTA Director of Service Planning, Claudia Bravo Monje, said the agency receives frequent requests for better connections between the ferry and bus service.

"We do get a lot of requests to get a better connection between the ferry and the bus, given that it's a long walk from the current stops to the shipyard," she told the board.

Current ridership data shows high usage at stops near the shipyard area. The outbound stop at Lincoln Street and Sergeant William Cherry Drive, which will be eliminated, ranks as the third-highest ridership location on the route with 550 inbound and 560 outbound daily riders in fall 2024.

The eliminated stops will require some passengers to walk additional distances to reach alternative stops. Those using the inbound Lincoln Street stop will need to walk 685 feet to the nearest alternative, while outbound passengers will face a 772-foot walk to reach the next stop.

Town Administrator Tom Mayo said the project represents a long-sought connection that supports economic development goals. "This is an opportunity that's been in development for quite some time," Mayo said. "The exciting opportunity here is regular MBTA Route 220 bus service to and from the Hingham shipyard."

The MBTA previously provided limited shipyard service before 2020, offering only two morning inbound trips and two afternoon outbound trips. The new plan extends all Route 220 trips to the terminal, providing service approximately every 40 minutes.

Select Board member Julie Strehle asked about coordinating bus schedules with ferry arrivals, noting successful connections at other locations like Hull. Bravo explained that while the 40-minute bus frequency doesn't perfectly align with the 25-35 minute ferry schedule, the timing provides reasonable connections without excessive waiting.

The route change requires removing two parking spaces on Shipyard Drive to meet MBTA bus stop design guidelines for accessible boarding areas. The agency had previously operated stops at the location in 2009 but suspended service six years ago.

Several residents voiced support for the connection during public comment. Deirdre Anderson, Executive Director of the Hingham Historical Society, said the organization has worked with the Downtown Association on heritage tourism initiatives.

"We'd also been working with the MBTA's community engagement team to do excursions and give some itinerary options," Anderson said. "I think this is going to be very exciting as we head into a busy and commemorative year."

Longtime ferry rider Judy Sneath noted the town has discussed the connection for approximately 20 years. She raised concerns about pedestrian traffic patterns around the terminal, noting that ferry passengers typically don't use designated crosswalks when large numbers exit boats simultaneously.

The MBTA plans to notify affected riders two to three weeks before the Aug. 24 implementation through stop advisories and outreach efforts. Select Board member Liz Klein requested that Hingham schools be notified since many teachers use the affected stops to commute to work.

Joe Kelly asked about potential bus shelters at the new stops, noting exposure concerns during inclement weather. Bravo Monje said the agency doesn't currently plan shelters but will review the location based on ridership data after implementation.

The approval eliminates the need for additional permitting, according to Mayo, who confirmed with Community Planning Director Emily Wentworth that planning board review isn't required.

The board also approved several other significant items during Monday's meeting:

• A $166,000 contract with CHA Consulting for engineering design and permitting services for new Carlson Field Pickleball Courts, with Select Board member Julie Strehle emphasizing public meetings throughout the design process

• A $160,235 agreement with Pomroy Associates for owner's project manager services for the South Shore Country Club pool complex construction phase

• A $78,354 contract with Adorama Camera for DJI Matrice model drones for the police department's expanded drone unit

• A $130,000 agreement with P3 Incorporated for owner's project manager services for the new Center for Active Living building design phase

The board scheduled a public meeting for next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to present current design plans for the Center for Active Living and gather community feedback.

July 1 - The Hingham Select Board has given the green light to several year-end budget transfers and completed the Town Administrator's annual review at their July 1, 2025 meeting.

In a unanimous decision, the board approved multiple reserve fund transfers. These include $271,651 for legal services, $400,000 for police salaries, and $210,000 for workers' compensation expenses.

Town Administrator Tom Mayo received high marks during his annual review. Select Board Chair Bill Ramsey commended Mayo's dedication, saying, "Your work ethic is top-notch. It's clear how much you care about this community and its people, including our employees."

Board member Liz Klein added, "Our town is well-managed and successful, largely thanks to your leadership and the efforts of the people in this room and building."

In response, Mayo expressed his gratitude, stating, "Working for this town is a privilege, and I approach it as such. I truly love what I do here."

Looking ahead to Independence Day celebrations, the board discussed upcoming events. These include a drone light show at Hingham Harbor on July 2 and the traditional parade on July 4.

Assistant Town Administrator Art Robert described the drone show, explaining that hundreds of drones will fly in sync, creating images and displays that showcase Hingham's history and celebrate the nation's birth.

Wrapping up the meeting, Ramsey encouraged community participation: "Get out there this week and enjoy these great events. Don't miss the parade and road race. Have a fantastic holiday, everyone."

Full meeting available via Harbor Media. July 1 and July 15.