Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/23/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) will offer free buses and paratransit services from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, thanks to a shared grant included in the state budget and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
The program is designed to encourage new customers to “Try Transit” by offering no-cost trips to shop or dine at local businesses, visit with friends and family, and commute to work during the holiday season.
This is the first time that PVTA has implemented such a program. All 15 of Massachusetts’ regional transit authorities – a category that does not include the MBTA in the Boston area – applied jointly for the grant and were awarded $2.5 million by MassDOT for a month of prepaid fares. PVTA, which is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts with 189 buses, 150 vans and 24 participating member communities, will receive $744,523, according to PVTA Marketing Manager Brandy Pelletier.
The PVTA will not lose any revenue during the Try Transit program, as the state grant will replace the money that would otherwise be collected via fares and passes.
“We thank the Legislature for their continued support of public transit,” Pelletier said.
Pelletier said that while ridership is steadily increasing across the board in all cities, it still hasn’t returned to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels. In fiscal year 2019, average monthly ridership on PVTA’s fixed-route buses was 841,700. During the COVID-19 state of emergency, it saw a loss of 70 percent, down to 256,800 riders per month. Currently average monthly ridership is 572,400.
“PVTA provides vital transportation services in our community, offering equitable mobility options that help people get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping centers, events, social outings and more. This ‘Try Transit’ program is a great time for people to experience the benefits of taking public transportation, while being able to travel stress-free during the holiday season” said PVTA Administrator Sandra E. Sheehan.
Paratransit van ridership before the coronavirus pandemic was 21,700 per month and suffered an 80 percent loss during COVID-19. Current paratransit van ridership averages 12,500 per month.
Pelletier said a rider may be eligible for paratransit services if they are approved through PVTA’s ADA application process, which is available online at pvta.com. In order to be approved, the rider must have a disability that prevents them from being able to take fixed-route buses.
Seniors aged 60 and over are eligible for PVTA’s paratransit van service, Pelletier said.
Douglas Slaughter, chair of PVTA’s Advisory Board, said he expects Try Transit will benefit not only the transit system and its riders, but communities at large.
“This program will promote opportunities for people to experience the services of the transit authorities. Simultaneously, it will serve as a catalyst for community building and economic opportunity, as people are able to experience activities in their communities related to the holiday season. We look forward to working with our fellow RTAs to implement this program,” he said in a prepared statement.
Meredith Slesinger, rail and transit administrator with the state Department of Transportation, called the initiative “another example of the many efforts where MassDOT and the RTAs collaborate to improve mobility options for Massachusetts transit customers.”