PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) announced that beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, 2022, all BRTA bus and paratransit services will be free through the state's "Try Transit" initiative.

 

This Try Transit initiative is supported through the state budget and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The state grant was awarded to all 15 Commonwealth regional transit authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and implementation plan.

 

In a press release, the Advisory Board of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority noted that they are enthusiastic about this opportunity to offer free transit service both as a "thank you" to regular riders and offer an opportunity to those

unfamiliar with our services to try transit.

 

"Residents in areas served by fixed routes will find that BRTA routes serve primary shopping venues, work, and dining sites. Those who live in areas without regular bus routes might familiarize themselves with our paratransit service for those who need assisted transportation," Doug McNally BRTA Advisory Board Vice Chair said. "This should be considered a good opportunity for the many older Berkshire residents living in towns underserved by fixed routes to explore this service at no cost."

 

"Removing the cost of transportation for this 'Try Transit' event provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning how to ride the BRTA", said BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati. "Although primarily designed to attract new customers by easing access to services, Try Transit will also offer a financial reprieve for current BRTA riders during these times of high inflation. It is expected that the savings and increased mobility offered by BRTA's services will translate into increased spending at local businesses."

 

1Berkshire Director of Community Development Ben Lamb added that the program could help support local businesses during the holiday season.

 

"As we look at the holiday season here in the Berkshires, this exciting program looks to not only help people get out to patron our local businesses across the region but also offers an excellent chance for individuals to travel and visit

those dearest to them during such a joyous season," he said. "We hope folks thoroughly take advantage of the opportunity to go shopping, dining, to our breadth of cultural events and institutions, and just to enjoy what it means to travel around the beautiful Berkshires at such an idyllic, quintessential New England time of year."

 

Questions regarding the Try Transit fare-free month should be directed to BRTA's Operations at 499-2782 X 1. 

 

"MassDOT is pleased to have worked closely with the Commonwealth's 15 Regional Transit Authorities to utilize the funding awarded in the FY23 state budget for the Try Transit program. This initiative is another example of the many efforts where MassDOT and the RTAs collaborate to Berkshire Regional Transit Authority improve mobility options for Massachusetts transit customers," said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger.