BRTA Fare Free Fixed Route and ADA Service

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) will continue to be fare free for Fixed Route Bus Services and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services.
 
Fare free transit service is made possible through funding awarded in the Governor's FY 26 Budget.
 
The impact of 8 months of fixed route fare free service in FY 25 increased ridership by 13.76 percent. FY 25 had 613,408 customers compared to FY 24 of 539,225, an increase of 74,183 rides. 
 
ADA Complementary ridership increased by 17.6 percent during this same time frame. FY 25 there was 31,631 customers compared to FY 24 of 26,897, an increase of 4,734 rides. Fare free service will continue through June 30, 2026.
 
If changes in funding availability occur, this date may have to change. This would be posted on buses, at the bus station, and on the website.

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Pittsfield Company Fined for Asbestos Violations

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $17,400 penalty to Pittsfield-based Barile Environmental Inc. for asbestos violations that occurred during abatement services at an office building located at 23 Lewis Ave. in Great Barrington.  
 
MassDEP discovered the violations during inspections of the office building in October 2025. Barile failed to follow appropriate asbestos work practices and controls during its asbestos abatement activities at the building site. MassDEP inspections of the facility revealed that Barile personnel were removing asbestos-containing siding in violation of state asbestos regulations.  
 
"MassDEP enforces asbestos regulations so that management of asbestos-containing materials is completed safely," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "This consent order requires payment of a substantial penalty and could have been avoided if the proper work practices were followed." 
 
Following MassDEP's order, Barile has completed the required cleanup actions and must pay $14,000 of the $17,400 penalty to resolve the violations. The balance of the penalty is suspended pending compliance with the remaining administrative terms of the order.  
 
Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage, and disposal procedures, or MassDEP asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.  
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