Commute Voices: A Bike Commuter's Story

If you live in Watertown, chances are Arsenal Yards is already part of your routine. It’s where you meet friends for dinner, grab lunch during the workday, head to a movie, or take a walk along the river. It doesn’t feel like a special trip—it just feels close, easy, and familiar. One of the best things about Arsenal Yards is how easy it is to get there without a car. With its compact layout, walkable paths, and strong bike and transit connections, it’s a destination that truly supports everyday, sustainable travel. Arriving on foot, by bike, or via public transportation not only reduces the need to drive—it also makes the overall experience feel more relaxed and enjoyable. For those affiliated with participating businesses, the Watertown Connector (WATConnector) shuttle provides an additional, convenient option, including service between Harvard Square and Arsenal Yards.

If your daily commute feels repetitive, expensive, or just harder than it needs to be, you are not alone. Many Watertown commuters are looking for easier, more flexible ways to get to work without relying on driving alone every day. That is where GoMassCommute comes in. Watertown TMA is introducing a new app designed to bring your commuting options, rewards, and support programs into one easy-to-use platform. By joining GoMassCommute, Watertown TMA is working alongside other TMAs across the region to make commuting more accessible, connected, and rewarding. As more people and businesses think seriously about sustainability, this platform offers a practical way to explore options like transit, biking, walking, and carpooling—while choosing what works best for your schedule and lifestyle. Q: What can GoMassCommute actually help me do? A: GoMassCommute brings your commuting options into one place. You can explore different ways to get to work, log your trips, earn rewards, and even connect with other commuters nearby. It is designed to make trying new commute options feel simple and manageable. One of the biggest benefits of GoMassCommute is the confidence it can give commuters as they plan how to get to and from work. You may not always know what options are available, even if commuting greener is something that interests you. In many cases, there are more possibilities than people realize, and GoMassCommute helps bring them into view. This is also why Watertown TMA has made the switch from eCommuter. With its more accessible, user-friendly design and stronger features for connecting people to commute options and helpful resources, GoMassCommute offers a more engaging and practical experience for today’s commuters. One especially helpful feature is the app’s ability to automatically track trips from your phone, saving time compared to manual logging. Whether you are looking for a rideshare option, thinking about trying transit, or simply curious about what is available to you, the platform helps simplify the process and make those options easier to access. Q: Why should I switch from driving alone? A: Even small changes to your commute can make a big difference. Using transit, carpooling, biking, or walking just a few days a week can help reduce costs, lower stress, and support more sustainable travel. GoMassCommute helps you try these options in a way that feels realistic and supported. One of the most valuable features is the ability to connect with other commuters based on where you are traveling from. After creating a profile, you can see whether others nearby have similar commute patterns. With privacy safeguards in place, you can choose to connect by email and explore whether sharing a ride could work for you. Q: What kinds of rewards or programs are available? A: Watertown TMA offers several programs that make it easier—and more rewarding in terms of prizes and incentives—to try new ways of commuting. One featured incentive is the T for 2 Transit Program , which gives eligible commuters the opportunity to try public transportation at no cost. Participants who currently commute by driving alone can receive a free MBTA pass for two months by committing to take transit at least two days per week and logging their trips in GoMassCommute. There is also the FlexRide Carpool Program , which helps match commuters for shared rides, making commuting more affordable and convenient. For added peace of mind, the Emergency Ride Home program provides a reliable backup option if unexpected situations come up during the workday. In addition, commuters can participate in the Go Green Reward , where logging 20 trips over three months earns a $25 gift card. It is a simple way to build more sustainable habits while being rewarded for the trips you are already taking. Q: Do I have to change my whole commute to use this? A: Not at all. Many commuters start small—trying transit once or twice a week or carpooling occasionally. GoMassCommute is designed to support gradual changes, so you can find what works best for your schedule and comfort level. At its core, GoMassCommute is about more than individual trips. It is about bringing commuters, employers, and communities together to make commuting easier, more connected, and more sustainable across the region. Q: How do I get started? A: Getting started is easy. You can download the GoMassCommute app on Android or Apple , or visit www.gomasscommute.com/watertowntma to access the platform online. Once you create your profile, you can begin exploring commute options, logging trips, connecting with other commuters, and taking advantage of available rewards and benefits. 

Your Car-Free Choices Made a Difference!

Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here! Spring is in full bloom! The days are longer, tulips are popping up, and if you have allergies, you might be sneezing a bit more. But there's good news for cyclists: the warmer weather means it's time to get back on the road. May is National Bike Month , and there's plenty to be excited about for bike enthusiasts in Massachusetts. What is Bike Month? National Bike Month , established in 1956, is all about celebrating the joy of cycling, promoting its health benefits, and encouraging more people to give it a try. A key part of this celebration is Bike to Work Week, which falls in the third week of May, with Bike to Work Day on the Friday of that week. This year, Bike to Work Week is from May 13 to 19, with Bike to Work Day on May 17. What's Happening in Massachusetts for Bike Month? Massachusetts is a great place to be if you love biking, and Bay State Bike Month , hosted by MassBike , has a full schedule of events to keep you moving. If you're looking for group rides or ways to get involved, this is your go-to resource. Here are some of the events that took place in celebration of Bike Month:

It's officially winter! Are you ready for the snow and ice? Is your car ready? Join Luis Mejia, Fleet Mechanic at TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles, as he shares some winter car maintenance and safety tips.

World Car-Free Day 2023 was a huge success! Organized in a variety of ways around the globe, every event shared the unifying goal of reducing the number of cars on the road. The Watertown TMA participated in MassCommute 's 2023 Car-Free Day, the Commonwealth’s Coalition of 15 TMAs to promote and celebrate Car-Free Day in Massachusetts. Commuters who participated helped to make a positive impact on the environment and contributed to a greener Bay State!

The WatConnector launched on September 7, 2021, with hourly service between Watertown Mews on Pleasant Street and Harvard Square. Starting February 13, 2023, the WatConnector will go electric and will run every half hour. Thanks to a grant from MassDOT, along with other public and private funds, two new electric shuttle buses were purchased and will replace the existing gas shuttles.

This past November, Watertown Transportation Management Association (WTMA) commuters were challenged to express their gratitude for the commutes that bring them safely to-and-from the workplace.

Also known as the WATConnector, passengers along Pleasant Street can now get to and from Watertown Square as well as Harvard Square during the AM and PM commutes. The WATConnector Pleasant Street shuttle services are available to participating corporate and residential partners and the public.