BRTA Awarded Grant to Expand Service Area

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) were awarded a $1,577,607 Regional Transit Authority(RTA) grant to facilitate connections between the PVTA and FRTA service areas.
 
The 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, announced the Healey-Driscoll Administration in a press release Tuesday.
 
"Residents across our state rely on Regional Transit Authorities to get to work, school, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and more. This funding will increase service options and make commutes easier, in addition to our recent investment to make service free at most RTAs," said Governor Maura Healey. "Our administration is committed to prioritizing improvements to transportation infrastructure and quality of life in our communities." 
 
The BRTA partnership with PVTA and FRTA will launch in 2025 once MassDOT completes repairs on the intercity coaches the RTAs will use for this service. 
 
This is part of $10 million in funding to nine RTAs for 10 projects that increase connections between transit routes and service areas throughout the state. The grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections.  
 
 
 

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Pittsfield Extinguishes 4th of July Firework Display

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— There will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year. 

Pittsfield announced this on Friday, June 26, explaining it was unable to secure a vendor with availability for the display.  The historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events are happening over the holiday weekend. 

The 2026 parade theme, "America 250 — Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations,"  will celebrate 250 years of the nation and Pittsfield.  People, floats, cars, balloons, and more will proceed down South, North, and Wahconah streets to thousands of spectators.

On Wednesday, the Pittsfield Parade Committee announced Vincent "Vin" Marinaro as the 2026 Grand Marshal.  The lifelong Pittsfield resident has been a mentor, educator, coach, advocate, and leader, said to have left a lasting impact on generations of Pittsfield families. 

He began his career teaching in Pittsfield's Catholic schools, coaching youth sports, and managing the Catholic Youth Center, later bringing that same passion for service to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, serving as Executive Director from 2010 until his retirement in 2018.

"Under his leadership, the center expanded programs, strengthened community connections, and became an even more vibrant gathering place for older adults. His commitment to service did not stop there," the parade committee wrote. 

"A devoted member of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield since 1995, Vin has exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. In 2024, he was installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7890, representing clubs throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Along the way, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award and a designation as a Paul Harris Fellow." 

The parade dates back to 1801, and the parade committee was formed in the late 1970s.  Today, it brings residents, families, organizations, and visitors together on the Fourth of July, historically kicking off at 10 a.m. on the dot. 

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