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Hopkinton Today for Tuesday, Sept. 1: MWRTA revamps regional transit network

by | Sep 1, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today

Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Hopkinton MWRTA riders to benefit from additional stops, expanded service

MWRTA sign

The Metrowest Regional Transit Authority will launch its redesigned route system next week, offering residents more frequent service and easier connections.

The redesign, which began last year, will include a number of changes to the existing transit network. The MWRTA is implementing a new route numbering system, along with two-way service on many routes and expanded service in certain areas. 

The last day of service on the old network is Sunday, and the new routes go into effect Tuesday.

Route 5, which services Hopkinton and extends from Blandin Avenue in Framingham to Hayward Street in Hopkinton, will be reassigned as Route 305. According to Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, the line also has picked up additional stops. She noted in an email that the route has been extended with stops at Dell/EMC and Project Just Because.

She did not anticipate any impacts to the 495 Connector, which runs north to south on Route 85. That line joins eight towns spanning from Acton to Franklin and has a local pickup at the post office on Cedar Street. It was brought into service last year.

Lazarus noted the town has had some input in shaping the routes through town and that it regularly communicates with the MWRTA. Select Board chair Shahidul Mannan is a representative to the transit authority’s advisory board. Other town officials have worked with the MWRTA to enhance service for residents, she stated.

Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting John Gelcich helped establish an MWRTA stop outside of Town Hall complete with signage, Lazarus explained. The town also advocated for the 495 Connector stop at the post office.

The town manager recommended residents reach out to the MWRTA to provide feedback. “The MWRTA also wants to hear from the town, businesses and residents whenever people have suggestions for new routes/stops,” she stated.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

In-person voting for the state primary will run from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. today at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows six sales, including one for $2.4 million.

The latest Library Corner features information on a drop-in drawing session, a course on environmental impacts on health and a homework club for students in Grades 3-6.

Town meetings tonight include the Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas hangs with Baypath Humane Society shelter dog Big Boy during a Pawtriots adoption event at the team’s first day of 2026 training camp on July 25. Big Boy and other Baypath dogs were adopted following the event.

Pawtriots Baypath

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas hangs with Baypath Humane Society shelter dog Big Boy during an adoption event at the Patriots’ first day of 2026 training camp on July 25. Big Boy and other Baypath dogs were adopted following the event. PHOTO/ERIC ADLER

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