 Advisory Board Passes BRTA Service ChangesBerkshire Regional Transit Authority service changes for the upcoming fiscal year were approved at Thursday's advisory board meeting. Berkshire Planning Commission Not in Favor of Bus Route ChangesIn the comment letter, BRPC asserted that adjustments should not be strictly based on low ridership on a route and that there are different reasons for low ridership including infrequent service, not connecting with other routes and long travel time. BRTA Public Meetings on Proposed Service ChangesThe BRTA continually evaluates the performance of its bus routes and other services. Successful services may be improved, while other services may need to be revised.  BRTA Seeking Public Input on FY23 Service ChangesThese include timetable and bus schedule adjustments, route travel pattern adjustments, bus stop location or name changes, limited additions, limited reductions, and discontinued service.  Berkshire Transit Authority Survey Shows Rider Satisfaction, Desire for More Regional TravelThe survey had 291 responses from a target sample of 300 people and 86 percent of respondents said they currently use the bus. BRTA Awarded Vehicles, Funds From MassDOTBRTA will be awarded five vehicles and $8,414 in funding for salaries and materials to support BRTA's travel training program  BRTA Service Planning SurveyThe BRTA is seeking input from customers and community members about current and future bus services. Users are asked to share candid input about what the BRTA should prioritize in the coming years.  BRTA Route 14 To Resume Full ServiceThe reduced service schedule will continue on BRTA bus routes 4, 5, 11, 15, and 16. The reduced service schedule is in place in response to a staffing shortage.  BRTA Seeks Input For Proposed Bus StopsFuture bus stops will include bus stop signs. Not all locations have these "Proposed Bus Stop Location" signs out. This will be a phased approach throughout the county for the foreseeable future.  BRTA Service Update: Reduced ServicesTo continue BRTA's service, some weekday routes will be curtailed for a short-term, approximately 6-8 weeks, as they continue to hire and train additional operators. Saturday schedules are not affected. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Offering Free Rides Though SaturdayBerkshire Regional Transit Authority is offering free rides from Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 17 to welcome new riders and thank existing ones for their patronage.  BRTA Service Changes Start July 1The service changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2021.  Proposed BRTA Route ChangesBRTA does encourage feedback and questions regarding the proposed service changes  BRTA Receives MassDOT FundsThe Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that $3.5 million in grants have been awarded to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the Commonwealth that will be used to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers.  BRTA Human Services Transport Scheduling Shifting to FitchburgUnder the proposal, BRTA is in Human Service Area 1 that covers all of Western Mass and from Warwick in the north diagonally across the state to Wrentham in the southeast. The other two areas are the Boston environs north and west and all of southeastern Massachusetts.  BRTA Awarded New Vehicles Through State ProgramThe BRTA will be awarded eight vehicles and $6,112 to fund salaries and materials to support BRTA's travel training program.  BRTA: No Bus Service For Columbus DayAll regularly scheduled bus service will resume at 5:45 AM, Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020. |
