Hingham transit users are moving closer to more reliable service as the Select Board recently backed a plan to modernize the Route 714 bus route. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is transitioning the route from a flag stop service, where riders must wave down a bus, to a series of fixed stops. MBTA Director of Alternative Service Planning Alexander James told the board that the shift is a response to customer demand following a successful service pilot that increased bus frequency to every 30 minutes. We’ve done quite a lot with the 714, James noted, highlighting new low-floor buses and improved GPS tracking. Part of what customers asked for is the conversion from flag stop to fixed stop service.

The board specifically reviewed a new fixed stop for Hull Street, selecting a location that ensures full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. MBTA Planner Liz Taylor explained that the current system lacks necessary safety features. Flag stops are not the safest and not accessible, Taylor said, noting that the new fixed locations will feature 8-foot-deep landing pads for mobility devices and trigger automated stop announcements. With ridership on the route reaching nearly 40,000 people in fiscal year 2025, the board prioritized a location near local restaurants and shops that allowed for a larger landing area. Motion Made by J. Straley to authorize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to install proposed bus stop number 71428, Alternative Number Two, on Hull Street. Motion Passed 3-0.

In another move to advance local infrastructure, the board finalized a petition for a special act to move the Route 3A safety project into its next phase. This legislative step, authorized by the April Annual Town Meeting, involves transferring specific parcels of land to MassDOT. Town Counsel John Coughlin detailed the financial benefits of the arrangement, explaining that the Town will receive compensation from the state for 110% of the land's value. In exchange for the Route 3A parcels, the Town will transfer a piece of property on Hobart Street to the Conservation Commission to serve as replacement land. We need to get it passed in this legislative session to keep the project moving, Coughlin said. Motion Made by B. Ramsey to file a petition for a special act in accordance with Article 97 regarding the Route 3A project. Motion Passed 3-0.

Sustainability and grant funding were also on the agenda as the board adopted a new Sustainable Purchasing Policy. DPW Director Ashley Buer explained that the policy is a mandatory prerequisite for the town to continue receiving MassDEP Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants. Buer reported that the town secured $6,000 through the program last year, which funded transfer station updates and a residential composting pilot. Sustainability Coordinator Patricia Burke noted the policy is modeled after state templates and encourages departments to utilize environmental product guides. I based the policy off of the template that the DEP provides and they’ve already reviewed it and said it is in line with what they’d be looking for, Burke said. Motion Made by B. Ramsey to adopt the sustainable purchasing policy dated May 12th, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.

The meeting took a somber and reflective turn during the board reports as members honored the memory of legendary Hingham track coach Fred Jewitt, who passed away recently. Member Bill Ramsey shared personal reflections on Jewitt's legacy, noting that a memorial service will be held at Hingham High School on May 23. He was my coach and a close family friend, Ramsey said. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame as a track coach and impacted thousands of lives. Chair Elizabeth Klein and Julie Straley joined in mourning the loss of a man they described as a local legend.

The board also dedicated time to local advocacy, proclaiming May 23, 2026, as Mattie’s Promise Day. The nonprofit was founded in memory of resident Madeline Maddie McCoy to support pediatric cancer research. This is obviously a special thing for us to be able to celebrate our sweet Maddie’s legacy, Klein said. Additionally, Harbor Master Ken Corson joined the board to mark National Safe Boating Week, urging residents to prioritize life jackets as the summer season begins. Just by putting on your life jacket, you increase the survival in any type of incident significantly, Corson told the board. Motion Made by B. Ramsey to proclaim Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 as Mattie’s Promise Day. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by J. Straley to proclaim May 16th through 22nd, 2026 as National Safe Boating Week. Motion Passed 3-0.