BOSTON — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) will receive $488,880  from MassDOT to continue the Evening Service Pilot program.

 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that $3.5 million in grants have been awarded to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the Commonwealth that will be used to implement best practices and innovative services to benefit customers.

 

BRTA received $488,880 to continue the Evening Service Pilot program. Funds will allow the BRTA to continue evening services on Routes 1, 4 and 22, while adding evening service on Route 14, which connects several Environmental Justice communities in Pittsfield to employment and retail centers.

 

"Over $10 million in funding has been awarded to support Regional Transit Authorities in their continued efforts to increase ridership, develop innovative and sustainable service models and practices, and create accessible and reliable transportation connections across the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie Baker. "The funding helps RTAs meet their identified goals of improving customer service, develop pilot programs and micro transit opportunities to further extend service locations, and to provide more efficient transportation options that are specific to each regional area."

 

The RTA funding recipients have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable, and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies. Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones.

 

"We are pleased to announce $3.5 million in grant awards to support RTA's services today," said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. "This funding will help provide various transit benefits to communities across the Commonwealth including projects focused on Commuter Rail Fare Initiatives, Bus service expansions, pilot programs and enhanced customer experience."

 

The awards mark the third round of grants provided by the Baker-Polito Administration for the RTAs to develop innovative services .  A total of $7.5 million in RTA grants were previously awarded as follows: $4 million in FY19 and $3.5 million in FY20. Also, the FY21 Discretionary Grant funding for RTAs is in addition to the $90.5 million in operating funding allocated in the FY21 State Budget signed by Governor Baker.  There is also an additional $27.8 million in capital funding from MassDOT.