Workforce Mobility Initiative: Supporting 2nd & 3rd Shift Workers

About the Workforce Mobility Initiative: Supporting 2nd & 3rd Shift Workers

The Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association (NVTMA) is advancing a targeted workforce mobility initiative to address transportation barriers for second- and third-shift workers in the region’s manufacturing sector.
By partnering with local employers, NVTMA is developing reliable, cost-effective commuting solutions tailored to the needs of off-peak employees—helping businesses attract and retain a stable workforce while improving access to jobs.

Why This Matters

Second- and third-shift workers are among the most underserved commuter populations in suburban Massachusetts. Many face significant challenges due to:
  • Limited or nonexistent off-peak public transit options
  • First- and last-mile gaps between transit stops and workplaces
  • Industrial and manufacturing job sites located outside fixed-route transit corridors
These barriers can directly impact employee recruitment, retention, and overall workforce stability.
What We're Doing
NVTMA is working collaboratively with employers and employees to better understand and address these challenges through:

Employer Engagement
  • Meeting with business leaders and HR professionals
  • Collecting employee origin data to identify commuting patterns
  • Understanding recruitment and retention challenges tied to transportation
Employee Outreach
  • Connecting directly with workers to learn about commuting needs
  • Supporting the formation of carpools and vanpools
  • Identifying practical, real-world solutions for off-peak travel

Coming Soon: Transportation Survey
NVTMA will soon be launching a regional transportation survey for both employers and employees. This survey will help:
  • Identify key transportation gaps
  • Inform future commuting solutions
  • Strengthen partnerships between businesses and the TMA
Get Involved
If your organization is interested in improving workforce access or participating in this initiative, we’d love to connect.

Contact NVTMA today to learn more about partnership opportunities and transportation solutions for your workforce.

Serving the Towns of

Canton | Dedham | Dover | Foxborough | Medfield | Millis | Milton | Needham | Norfolk | Norwood | Plainville | Randolph | Sharon | Sherborn | Stoughton | Walpole | Westwood | Wrentham