BRTA Temporary Service Adjustments

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) is announcing temporary service reductions
on select bus routes, and an increased employee hiring incentive, aimed at improving the reliability of the public transit system. 
 
Due to many factors facing most employers in today's labor market, including a continued lack of available bus operators, BRTA is temporarily reducing service on selected bus routes to match current staffing levels. These service changes will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.
 
"Our Operations and Maintenance staff are the backbone of our agency. They work tirelessly to provide the transit services that our customers deserve. Despite continued hiring and training efforts, the unfortunate reality is that we just don't have enough Operators. Therefore, we need to adjust our services to a level where we can provide the greatest reliability possible," said Robert Malnati, BRTA Administrator. "BRTA continues to coordinate employment
services with our community partners including Berkshire Community College and MassHire, on innovative ways to increase our staffing."
 
An increased hiring incentive of $1,000 is hopeful to generate additional interest in working for the BRTA.
 
"We hope to restore these reduced bus services as soon as we are able to increase our staffing. In the meantime, we want to maintain the service reliability that our customers need and deserve," he added.
 
The temporary service changes impact a few fixed route bus schedules but will not affect the ADA and Non-ADA paratransit services. The Route 921 Express will also increase trips during this timeframe to supplement the scheduled service.
 
Service changes include:
 
Weekdays:
  • Route 14: Pittsfield Southeast Loop
    • Suspended from 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Will ONLY operate from 6:30 PM - 9:50 PM
  • Route 21: Lee-Stockbridge-Great Barrington
    • Will run every 120 minutes on Weekdays
    • Suspend Lee Premium Outlets trips departing on odd hours 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
    • Suspend Great Barrington Fairgrounds Plaza trips departing on even hours 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
  • Route 921: Pittsfield- Great Barrington Express
    • Will operate consistently every 120 minutes on Weekdays.
    • Increased Pittsfield ITC departures 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
    • Increased Great Barrington Fairgrounds Plaza departures 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
    • Will run as a local route with flag service available.
    • Will pick up/drop off at Berkshire South Community Center as requested.
Saturdays:
  • Route 21: Lee-Stockbridge-Great Barrington
    • Will operate every run every 120 minutes on Saturdays.
    • Suspended Lee Premium Outlets trips departing on odd hours 9:30 AM 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
    • Suspended Great Barrington Fairgrounds Plaza trips departing on even hours 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.
  • Route 921: Pittsfield- Great Barrington Express
    • Suspend trip departing Pittsfield ITC at 7:30 AM.
    • Will run as a local route with flag service available.
    • Will pick up/drop off at Berkshire South Community Center as requested.
Revised bus schedules will be posted online at www.berkshirerta.com on Friday May 17, 2024.

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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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