 BRTA Extends Senior Rural Fare-Free Rides, Gives Employees BonusSome $14,000 of the grant will go toward making non-ADA rides fare free starting in December and going through June. BRTA Board OKs Contract for Administrator, Reviews Open Meeting ComplaintThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Board finalized the new administrator's contract on Thursday. BRTA Advisory Board Discusses New Administrator ContractThe board discussed the new administrator's contract as well as other business. BRTA Offers Administrator Job to Haverhill ARPA ManagerThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board has chosen Kathleen Lambert as its next administrator, recognizing that it had two strong candidates to choose from. BRTA Fare Free Fixed Route and ADA ServiceFare free transit service is made possible through funding awarded in the Governor's FY 26 Budget. BRTA to Update Bylaws After ComplaintThe BRTA board met last week to update its bylaws and resolve an Open Meeting Law complaint. BRTA to Interview 4 for New AdministratorEarlier this month, the board was sent the candidates' resumes with their names disguised by unique identifiers and were told to rank them by whom they believe is most fit for the position. BRTA Releases RFP for Intermodal Transportation Center HVAC ReplacementThis project needs to be completed and accepted by BRTA by June 20, 2026.  BRTA Conducting Customer SurveyWe invite anyone or any agency to participate in this survey to provide feedback about the BRTA and transit in the Berkshires. BRTA Working on Comprehensive Regional Transit PlanStakeholders were polled on their thoughts, with one question being where they'd like to see the BRTA go, with some saying said Veterans Affairs medical center in Leeds and to smaller communities.  BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati Retiring Next YearRobert Malnati's been getting people on the bus for more than two decades -- and he's hoping to see ridership on the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority hit a record before he retires next year. Governor Announces Funding to Enhance Transit in Berkshire CountyThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded funding for two fully accessible vehicles, and the South County Connector received funding for one fully accessible vehicle. BRTA Studying Microtransit for CountyThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is looking over a new project to bring microtransit to the county. BRTA Extending Free Rides to Non-ADA CommunitiesThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is extending fare-free rides to non-ADA communities. Berkshire County Transportation Enhanced by Over $400 K in State GrantsBRTA and the Town of Great Barrington have received a combined total of over $400,000 through the Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP). BRTA Mulls Extending Free Rides to Non-ADA CommunitiesThis would expand opportunities for rural residents to use the transit authority's services and could even be a catalyst for route extensions. BRTA Announces New Pilot Pittsfield Paratransit Evening ServiceThis project aims to enhance and expand the ability for eligible BRTA Paratransit customers, that require an accessible vehicle for travel in the evenings to destinations within these communities. BRTA Looking for 50-Year Customers to Celebrate their LoyaltyAs part of the celebration, the BRTA is inviting riders with a long history of using its services to be featured in the organization's upcoming Annual Report. BRTA Awarded Grant to Expand Service AreaThe grant will support commuter service between Pittsfield and Northampton, service between North Adams and Greenfield, and increased frequency on current service between Greenfield and Northampton. BRTA Announces Free Rides ExtensionCustomers riding the fixed route bus and/or the complementary ADA paratransit service will be fare free from Jan. through Sept. 2025.  BRTA Medical Transportation for Seniors in Rural AreasThis new medical transportation service is for seniors, 60 years+ BRTA Announces Pilot Pittsfield Paratransit Evening ServiceThis project aims to enhance and expand the ability for eligible BRTA Paratransit customers, that require an accessible vehicle for travel in the evenings to destinations within Pittsfield. BRTA Approves $11.7M Budget for FY25The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority's budget has increased by $1.7 million for fiscal year 2025, totaling $11.7 million. BRTA Temporary Service AdjustmentsThese service changes will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.  BRTA Celebrates 50 Years, Electric BusesThe Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is celebrating its 50th anniversary with new hybrid buses that tell a story about its history. |
