Starting today, Massachusetts is launching a groundbreaking initiative that provides free rides across 13 regional transit authorities, including the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and the bus systems serving Berkshire and Franklin counties, aimed at promoting mobility and accessibility for all residents.
Gov. Maura Healey unveiled the impressive $30 million initiative during a recent visit to Greenfield, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing public transportation services throughout the state.
Healey pointed out that following various pilot programs conducted over the past two years, the clear advantages of offering free transit have emerged. “It connects folks to school, to jobs, to groceries, to doctor’s appointments, to everything they need to do to have the full positive impact we want it to have,” she articulated, highlighting the broad impact on daily life.
She emphasized that transit must not only be accessible, but also equitable. “Everybody needs to be able to use it, and it has to provide good service as well,” Healey stated. “Service that people can actually depend on, count on. That means students, families, seniors with lower incomes, people with disabilities, residents who aren’t connected to urban centers.”
Laura Sylvester, an advocate working with the Food Bank of Western Mass, expressed her support for the free rides, noting their significant potential to assist those grappling with food insecurity. However, she stressed the need for an overall improvement in bus service. “We hear again and again from the people that we serve how difficult it is for them to get food because they don’t own a car, and the bus system doesn’t run frequently enough to get them to a grocery store in a reasonable amount of time,” she explained. “Or worse, they live in one of the many rural areas where buses don’t run at all, and even if they do have access to buses, for people struggling to make ends meet, even a $3 bus fare can be too much.”
The free fare initiative was announced at the John W. Olver Transit Center, the headquarters of the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), situated in Greenfield. Notably, FRTA has been providing fare-free fixed route service since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its board has continuously voted to uphold this fare-free service model each year since. Officials indicated that FRTA ridership has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, showcasing the success of this approach.
Tina Cote, an administrator with the FRTA, revealed that the transit authority will extend the free services to include the region’s demand response services, which provide valuable door-to-door rides for individuals over 60, certain military veterans, and those with disabilities. “It is our hope that more of our seniors will take this opportunity to use public transit and to access so many of the services that our region has to offer,” Cote expressed. “And you can get there from here in our region. It takes a little bit more coordination, but the resources are in place and we’re here to make things happen in transportation.”
As of now, the free fares initiative is designed to remain in effect until June of 2025, allowing ample time for residents to benefit from improved transit access.
Food Bank Springfield MA
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Laura. As an advocate with the Food Bank of Western Mass, you’ve been closely associated with the challenges faced by the community. How do you see the recently launched initiative for free bus rides impacting food insecurity in the region?
**Laura Sylvester:** Thank you for having me. The initiative is a fantastic step forward. For many individuals and families who struggle with food insecurity, transportation is a significant barrier. Many of them don’t have access to a car, and public transit is often unreliable. With free rides, we hope it will be easier for them to access food pantries, grocery stores, and other essential services.
**Interviewer:** Governor Healey mentioned the importance of equitable transit that meets the needs of all residents. Do you believe this initiative addresses those equitable access concerns?
**Laura Sylvester:** It’s a positive move, but I think we also need to emphasize the quality and reliability of the bus service. While free fares are great, people also need to depend on timely and frequent transportation. If the service isn’t reliable, it undermines the goal of providing equitable access. We’ve heard from many community members who still face long wait times and limited routes.
**Interviewer:** Governor Healey highlighted that the free rides aim to connect people to crucial services, such as jobs and healthcare. From your perspective, how do you envision this initiative changing daily life for residents in Western Massachusetts?
**Laura Sylvester:** If the transit system is both free and reliable, it can significantly improve people’s daily lives. It allows them to get to jobs without the stress of transportation costs, reach healthcare appointments, and access healthy food options. The connections created by public transportation can empower residents and break down barriers they face in their daily lives.
**Interviewer:** What additional improvements do you think could complement this initiative to further support the community?
**Laura Sylvester:** Aside from improving the reliability and coverage of bus routes, increasing public awareness about the service is crucial. Many residents may not even know about these free rides or how to access them. Creating programs that educate and assist people in navigating the transit system could make a big difference in reaching those who need it most.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Laura, for sharing your insights. It sounds like while the free bus initiative is a promising step, collaboration and further improvements are essential to ensure it serves the community effectively.
**Laura Sylvester:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds and hope it truly makes a difference for everyone it aims to help.
