September 17, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
Following a presentation concerning a proposed Cohasset/Hull/Hingham two-year EV micro-transit pilot program with Circuit – a leading provider of electric, on-demand micro-transit services – the select board authorized Chair William Ramsey to sign a letter in support of Circuit seeking available grant funding that supports such climate-friendly initiatives. Cohasset and Hull officials also signed letters of support recently.
The purpose of the program is to provide accessible and reliable transportation options in the three communities, serving residents and tourists alike, and to help close existing transportation gaps
There’s an emphasis on economic development, with evening and weekend service provided.
Before the board agreed to support the grant application, Circuit Representative Max Hendrix explained that a Critical Mass grant opportunity of up to $1 million is available, and if awarded to the three-town pilot program, along with other possible grants, the small fares charged and revenue from advertising on the vehicles when added to the grant money could cover most of the $1.25 total project budget over two years.
There would be a possible cost of $41,500 to each of the three towns if that gap is not closed.
“This program sounds fantastic. I love that it uses EVs, which would help reduce greenhouse emissions — what our community wants,” Ramsey said before the vote. At the same time, he’s concerned about the funding issue. “If the grants [and other revenue] aren’t secured to cover the $41,500 cost, we would be hard-pressed to come up with that money.” Fellow select board members Julie Strehle and Liz Klein share his concern.
Accordingly, the letter was signed with the understanding that the Town of Hingham was only supporting the grant application and not committing to the town’s potential share of the cost – $41,500 – if grants, advertisements on the EVs, and minimal fares didn’t cover any shortfall once any grants were awarded.
In other business at the meeting
Ramsey acknowledged the recent passing of Bob Curley, noting that his life was “dedicated to the service of his friends, clients, colleagues, and the community. I will remember him as being a kind and honorable man who helped make our community special.”
Strehle, who served on the advisory committee with Curley for a number of years, said she is grateful for his mentorship and also for his friendship.
Klein recalled his intellect and wit. “My heart is with [his wife] Kathy and their beautiful family,” she said.
I am grateful that I had the privilege of encountering Bob Curley in the last few years of his life, when I interviewed him and Kathy for the Anchor to profile their efforts in reducing carbon emissions in their home. He will ever loom foremost in my mind in this age of narcissistic, bombastic faux-machismo as the true embodiment of genuine masculine qualities that many aspire to but few come close to attaining. He epitomized loving commitment to family, professional accomplishment, and tireless service to his community. Bob had an imposing physical presence rendered all the more impressive by his gentle spirit; he radiated a quiet strength even in the throes of a serious illness. Gracious and welcoming, he gave the impression of a fully realized man who had found deep joy in loving and working. Bob Curley was a true gentleman. We were all richer for the grace of his presence among us. I had less than an hour’s conversation with him and yet feel his passing as a personal loss. Hingham has lost a distinguished citizen. But we will remember him. My condolences to Kathy, his children and grandchildren. I can only hope that their sadness in losing him will be a little offset by their gratitude for having this gentle giant as their beloved patriarch.