Hingham Select Board Approves Letter of Support for Regional Electric Vehicle Microtransit Pilot Program
HINGHAM - September 16 - The Hingham Select Board unanimously voted to support a grant application for an innovative electric vehicle microtransit service that would connect Hingham with Hull and Cohasset, potentially providing on-demand transportation between downtown Hingham, the Shipyard development, Derby Street Shops, and Hewitts Cove ferry terminal without requiring municipal funding.
The Full Story
Circuit, a microtransit company that operates similar services in Plymouth and other communities, presented plans for a two-year pilot program that would use electric vehicles to provide Uber-like, on-demand transportation within and between the three South Shore communities. The service would operate Thursday through Sunday using electric vehicles including GEM vehicles, ID Buzz vans, and ADA-compliant wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Max Hendrix, Circuit's Northeast partnerships representative, explained that the program emerged from regional planning discussions following the South Shore Collaborative's 2022 mobility study, which identified significant gaps in first-and-last-mile transit connections. "What we really looked at when we were looking at Cohasset, Hingham and Hull was improving connectivity between downtown core and the shipyard... and then also to the Hewitt's Cove ferry terminal," Hendrix told the board.
The total project budget is approximately $1.25 million, with Circuit seeking up to $1 million through a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) grant. While the remaining costs would theoretically be split among the three municipalities at about $41,000 per year each, Circuit outlined multiple strategies to eliminate municipal costs entirely, including passenger fares, vehicle advertising revenue, and additional state grants through MassDOT's new microtransit programs.
Hendrix projected strong ridership potential, noting that Plymouth moves about 5,000 passengers monthly with just three vehicles, while the proposed regional service would deploy six vehicles. "If we had $3 fares or distance based fares that were higher and we were able to move just a little over 3,300 passengers, we'd be able to generate fully the amount of money that we would need in a year," he explained.
Assistant Town Administrator of Operations, Art Robert, emphasized the regional nature of the initiative, explaining it represents collaboration between municipal planning teams to address transit gaps identified in the comprehensive mobility study. The service would complement existing MBTA ferry and bus connections rather than compete with them, similar to Circuit's successful partnerships with the MBTA in other communities.
All three board members expressed enthusiasm for the concept while emphasizing budget constraints. Chair William Ramsey praised the program's environmental benefits, stating it aligned with the community's climate advocacy goals. Board member Julie Strehle called it "a very interesting approach" that would provide more security than ride-sharing apps with vetted drivers. Board member Liz Klein noted the program's potential to support residents and businesses without cars or those with mobility challenges.
The meeting also addressed routine municipal business, including approving a common victuals license for new Brewed Awakenings owner Michael Thibodeau of Scituate, who plans minimal changes to the popular downtown breakfast spot. The board granted a continuance until September 30th for Salty Day Hingham's restaurant and alcohol license application.
In property matters, the board voted to extend the lease at 8 Short Street through December 2025, with plans to prepare the historic town-owned building for potential sale to generate municipal revenue. This decision reflects the board's commitment to implementing recommendations from the Sustainable Budget Task Force to dispose of town properties as an alternative to property tax increases.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo delivered concerning news about two municipal projects. All bids for the South Shore Country Club pool construction exceeded the town's appropriation, forcing rejection of all proposals and a new bidding process. Additionally, Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Brittany Iacaponi has resigned for personal reasons, effective at the end of November.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with Ramsey celebrating the official opening of Foster Elementary School, calling it "a great day for the school department, for the school district, for the entire town."
Why It Matters
The microtransit pilot could provide Hingham residents with affordable, environmentally-friendly transportation options to key destinations while reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and supporting local businesses. If successful, the service could improve mobility for residents without cars, elderly residents, and visitors arriving via ferry, while potentially operating at no cost to taxpayers through grant funding and user fees.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve common victuals license for Brewed Awakenings, 19 Main Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 8:32)
Motion: Authorize chair to sign letter of support for South Shore EV Microtransit Pilot. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 30:53)
Motion: Authorize lease extension for 8 Short Street through December 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 42:09)
Public Comment
Residents expressed strong support for the microtransit concept, with one speaker calling it "terrific" and noting the three-town collaboration should easily generate needed ridership. During discussion of the 8 Short Street lease, current tenant Richard Orr requested a two-year extension and noted concerns about building deterioration if left vacant. A neighboring property owner questioned the building's potential sale value and raised concerns about traffic safety in the area.
What's Next
Circuit will submit the Massachusetts CEC grant application with Hingham's letter of support, with Hull already committed and Cohasset voted to support it the same night. Additional MassDOT grant applications are planned for November. The town will prepare 8 Short Street for potential sale with a warrant article deadline of January 20th for spring town meeting. A new bidding process will launch for the South Shore Country Club pool project, and recruitment will begin for a new Assistant Town Administrator for Finance.