Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Offering Free Rides Though Saturday
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Catch a free bus ride in Berkshire County while you can.
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is offering free rides from Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 17 to welcome new riders and thank existing ones for their patronage.
"The BRTA is so happy to see everyone out and about," Deputy Administrator Sarah Vallieres said. "This is a big ‘thank you' to all of our customers who used our services throughout the pandemic and a 'welcome aboard' to anyone who has never traveled with us."
This is a promotion to encourage riders to use the public transportation services they offer through 13 communities in Berkshire County in the hopes of generating more interest and more ridership for the rest of the year.
It is a way to welcome back existing riders and new riders as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to lessen and more people are leaving their homes.
BRTA has made some service changes and some alterations to the transfer policy, Vallieres said, and this free week is also intended to help riders and potential riders familiarize themselves with the transportation system.
This is the first time BRTA has offered such a promotion because the authority, along with the entire world, has never experienced an event like a global pandemic that caused such disruption in life.
"The BRTA does offer free rides on your birthday, but nothing for a full week of service," Vallieres added.
In the month of June, there were 30,468 riders on the fixed-route bus system. The BRTA's numbers are trending upwards as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic lessens.
Specific schedule or route information may be obtained by contacting the operations department at 1-800-292-BRTA extension 1 or by visiting the BRTA website.
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