BRTA Fare Free Buses During the Holiday Season

08:01AM / Wednesday, November 08, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) announced that beginning Nov. 24, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023, all BRTA bus and ADA complementary services will be free.

This is supported by 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 fourteen of the Commonwealth's Regional Transit Authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and implementation plan. This is the second year this grant was awarded.

While the focus is on the free bus rides for the Holiday Season, the BRTA will also go fare-free in June and July of 2024.

"Removing the cost of transportation for this 'Try Transit' event provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning how to ride the BRTA", said 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."

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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