About

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) is one of 15 regional transit authorities in Massachusetts. Each one helps people get to work, to school, to doctors’ appointments, to the grocery store, to visit family, and more. Collectively, we believe that public transit is the most efficient way to move people as they go about their daily lives.

BRTA serves 27 communities and covers an area as large as Rhode Island. We provide fixed route and on-demand service for older adults and people with disabilities. We transport people six days a week, with limited evening and no Sunday service. We agree with the Mass Governor’s Commission on the Future of Transportation assessment that “well-run, far reaching and sustainable public transportation is critical to the future of the Commonwealth.”

Leadership

The BRTA Administrator and Deputy Administrator lead the day-to-day operations. Oversight is provided by an Advisory Board, comprised of leaders from 27 communities. Beyond administrative oversight of day to day operations, BRTA leadership actively participates in the region’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

Civil Rights Programs

Title VI Procedures

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (42 USC Section 2000d-1).

Individuals or organizations who believe they have been denied the benefit of, excluded from participation in, or subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin by the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority can file a signed, written complaint by:

1. Mail written complaint to: BRTA, One Columbus Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsfield, MA 01201
   Attn: Civil Rights Officer.
2. Email the BRTA at info@berkshirerta.com

Any person who believes that have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin may file a complaint with the Authority within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.

Copies of the BRTA’s Title VI Program may be obtained from the address above.

Investigation of Complaints

To file a complaint, send a letter or submit a complaint form, contact the BRTA at info@berkshirerta.com or BRTA, One Columbus Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Attn: Civil Rights Officer. The BRTA will respond within 60 days of receipt of this complaint.

The BRTA will investigate the complaint and make a determination. Formal investigation of the complaint will be confidential and will include, but is not limited to, details of the specific incident, frequency and dates of occurrences and names of any witnesses. The customer will be notified of the resolution.

Appeals Process

If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, an appeal process is available. An appeal request for review of a determination of unlawful denial of access or accommodation to public transportation must be filed, in writing, within 60 calendar days of the incident. The written appeal must include the customer’s name, address, and telephone number. A statement of reason(s) why the applicant believes the denial of accommodation request or access to public transportation was inappropriate is recommended.

The Administrator will set a mutually agreed upon time and place for the review process with the applicant and/or representative(s) within 30 days of the request. The applicant may submit documents or other information to be included with the record and considered in the review process. A record of the review will be kept, as determined by the Administrator. Anyone needing special accommodations may contact the BRTA office at (413) 499-2782 for assistance.

The right of the appellant to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint must not be impaired by the appellant’s pursuit of other remedies, such as filing of a complaint with the Department of Justice or other appropriate federal agency or the filing of a suit in state of federal court.

Disposition of Complaints

Sustained Complaints: If the complaint is substantiated, this policy and procedure prohibiting discrimination will be reviewed with the offender. Appropriate disciplinary action and/or training will be taken pursuant to the agency disciplinary procedures.

Un-sustained Complaints: if there is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation(s), both parties to the complaint will be informed of the reason(s) for this disposition.

Unfounded Complaints: If it is determined that an act reported pursuant to this policy/procedure did not in fact occur, a finding of unfounded shall be made.

Exonerated Complaints: If it is determined that an act reported pursuant to this policy/procedure did in fact occur but was lawful and proper within the guidelines established herein, a finding of exonerated shall be made.

State Nondiscrimination Protections

BRTA complies with the Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law, MGL c272 §§92a, 98, 98a, prohibiting making any distinction, discrimination, or restriction in admission to or treatment in a place of public accommodation based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or ancestry. BRTA also complies with the Governors’
Executive Order 526, section 4 requiring all programs, activities, and services provided, performed, licensed, chartered, funded, regulated, or contracted for by the state shall be conducted without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran’s status (including Vietnam-rea veterans), or background.

Title VI Complaint Form (English)

Title VI Complaint Form (Spanish)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals FY23 – FY25

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policy statement

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

Title VI Policy

We invite you to review all current Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and current BRTA advertising opportunities and rates.

BRTA fully subscribes to all open government tenants. We operate for the public good and post all meetings, reports, financial records for public access.

Easy walking distance from Pittsfield’s central business district, the ITC centralizes access to all modes of public transportation.

Join our committed team of professionals and help us get people where they need to go. BRTA is an equal opportunity employer.