Sudbury�Community Rides (formerly F.I.S.H.) begins March 1; committee notes driver shortages for Boston trips

Nickole Boardman reported to the Sudbury Transportation Commission that Friends in Service Helping (F.I.S.H.), now renamed the Community Rides Program, began operations on March 1, 2026 and has been promoted in community newsletters.

Boardman described the program model as volunteer drivers using their personal vehicles to transport residents who request assistance. She said the program has experienced difficulty finding volunteer drivers willing to travel into Boston, which may limit service for longer trips.

Committee members discussed eligibility and tax implications for volunteer drivers; Chair Dan Carty asked whether drivers could receive a tax write-off, but the group did not reach a conclusive answer during the meeting. The Commission did not adopt any new policy changes for the Community Rides Program at this meeting but recorded the program status for future follow-up and outreach to recruit volunteers.

The Commissions action-item list included follow-up tasks related to outreach and coordination with local partners to boost volunteer recruitment.