MassDOT, Peter Pan Offering Expanded Routes
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BOSTON — The state Department of Transportation, in partnership with Peter Pan Bus Lines, will be offering regional transportation services as part of the new BusPlus program.
BusPlus is a public/private partnership in which MassDOT provides new regional buses to private for-profit bus companies. The companies in return must deliver regional services improvements and will be responsible for all bus maintenance and operating costs.
New service expected to begin on Sept. 15 includes:
• Providence, Worcester, Springfield, Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield, Williamstown, and Albany; one new round-trip Monday through Sunday. This daily service will increase from two daily round-trips to three daily round-trips.
New service which began on Sept. 3 includes:
• Worcester, and Framingham to Boston (Copley Square, Park Square, State House and South Station) commuter service. Morning inbound service will increase from two to three trips and evening return service will increase from one to two trips. The new service will run weekdays.
Additional BusPlus services are added based on available funding, private operator consultation, and upon completion of a competitive application process.
"BusPlus is a proven success in expanding regional transportation services and customer options," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "I applaud our intercity and commuter transit partners and the latest additions to this program."
The public/private partnership includes coordination among all New England state transportation departments including New York. The regional service improvements provided through the new BusPlus service includes the creation of new routes, addition of stops to existing routes, extension of existing routes, and increased route frequency.
The family-owned Peter Pan Bus Lines is a transportation leader and has been recognized by riders throughout the Northeast for more than 80 years. Based in Springfield, it is one of the largest privately owned intercity bus companies.
"The BusPlus program is a great example of a public-private partnership between MassDOT and Peter Pan” said Peter A. Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines. "We're very pleased to offer these new services to Massachusetts residents and visitors, and the new buses are an important addition to our fleet."
BusPlus is funded and overseen by MassDOT's Rail & Transit Division. The BusPlus program includes partnerships with Peter Pan Bus Lines, Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company, DATTCO, The Coach Company, Bloom Bus Lines, Yankee Line and Greyhound.
New buses include the latest advances in safety and equipped with fully outfitted restrooms, increased leg room, new comfortable seating, wi-fi, and power outlets at every seat. MassDOT through BusPlus is working toward the goal of providing a universal smartphone ticketing applications to all riders.
BusPlus assists MassDOT in meeting Gov. Deval Patrick's goal of reducing the commonwealth's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020. Vehicles represent a large source of these gases. MassDOT is committed to pursuing healthier travel options, including biking, walking or transit.
