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.