Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) has created a minor route adjustment to the Route 3 bus that services Williamstown and North Adams, in response to the closure of Price Chopper supermarket and the accessibility of West End residents to grocery shop. This discussion was prompted by Mayor Richard Alcombright, Northern Berkshire Interfaith Organization, and concerned residents. “The closing of Price Chopper has put pressure on many residents in the West End who depended on the proximity of that store to get groceries,” stated Mayor Alcombright. “Our Interfaith Organization did a great job in bringing awareness to this issue and our good friends at BRTA stepped up in a big way to provide folks with an affordable and convenient option.”
Starting April 25, 2016, the Route 3 will now go through the Big Y parking lot, instead of traveling on Veterans Memorial Drive. The Route 3 bus currently has a bus stop at Stop and Shop. BRTA Administrator, Robert Malnati, commented, “The BRTA is pleased to assist in the process and offer a cost effective solution for transit services to serve those residents impacted by the closing of their neighborhood supermarket.”
The fare for a local trip is $1.75 for exact cash or $1.40 for a Charlie Card. Charlie Cards can be purchased from the bus driver. The reduced fare for a local trip is $0.85 for exact cash or $0.70 Charlie Card is available to seniors (60+), persons with a valid Medicare card, students K-12, and disabled persons with valid Massachusetts Access Pass. BRTA has a Travel Training Program that will provide information or training on how to ride a fixed route bus. Specific schedule, route information, or Travel Training may be obtained by contacting the operations department at 1-800-292-BRTA extension 1.