The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) announced today that beginning November 25, 2022 through December 31, 2022 all BRTA bus and paratransit services would be free thanks, in part, to a grant included in the state budget and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The “Try Transit” initiative will be supported by the state grant that was awarded to all fifteen of the Commonwealth’s Regional Transit Authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and implementation plan.
The Advisory Board of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is enthusiastic about this opportunity to offer free transit service both as a thank you to our faithful riders and offer an opportunity to those unfamiliar with our services to “try transit.” Doug McNally BRTA Advisory Board Vice Chair remarked, “Residents in areas served by fixed routes will find that BRTA routes serve primary shopping venues, work, and dining sites. Those who live in areas without regular bus routes might familiarize themselves with our paratransit service for those who need assisted transportation. This should be considered a good opportunity for the many older Berkshire residents living in towns underserved by fixed routes to explore this service at no cost.”
“Removing the cost of transportation for this ‘Try Transit’ event provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning how to ride the BRTA”, stated BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati. “Although primarily designed to attract new customers by easing access to services, ‘Try Transit’ will also offer a financial reprieve for current BRTA riders during these times of high inflation. It is expected that the savings and increased mobility offered by BRTA’s services will translate into increased spending at local businesses.”
1Berkshire Director of Economic Development Ben Lamb added “As we look at the holiday season here in the Berkshires, this exciting program looks to not only help people get out to patron our local businesses across the region, but also offers an excellent chance for individuals to travel and visit those dearest to them during such a joyous season.” He continues, “We hope folks thoroughly take advantage of the opportunity to go shopping, dining, to our breadth of cultural events and institutions, and just to enjoy what it means to travel around the beautiful Berkshires at such an idyllic, quintessential New England time of year.”
“MassDOT is pleased to have worked closely with the Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities to utilize the funding awarded in the FY23 state budget for the “Try Transit”program. This initiative is another example of the many efforts where MassDOT and the RTAs collaborate to improve mobility options for Massachusetts transit customers,” commented MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger.
Questions regarding the “Try Transit” fare free month should be directed to BRTA’s Operations at 499-2782 X 1. Thank you for your ridership and Happy Holidays!