Service Advisories
January 30, 2012
NEW PARATRANSIT FLEET TO BEGIN SERVICE
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA)'s new fleet of 15 paratransit vehicles will be in service February 1, 2012. For the first time, BRTA will own the mini-buses used to transport people with mobility challenges and disabilities.
According to BRTA Administrator Gary Shepard, "Paratransit is an essential service allowing people with mobility challenges to travel where they need to go, whether it's to the doctor, an appointment or to a social event. While the procedure and price point for services remain the same, patrons will ultimately be more comfortable in these brand-new, efficient mini-buses." Each year, there are more than 80,000 requests from over 6,000 people for paratransit service across the Berkshires.
The new mini-buses are clearly identifiable by their BRTA purple color scheme. Drivers will wear similarly styled identification badges to help ensure passengers' familiarity and safety. This new fleet will be owned and maintained by the BRTA, and operated by County Ambulance.
BRTA received these new mini-buses, worth $1.34 million, through a grant from the federal Mobility Assistance Program (MAP). These vehicles are fully accessible and feature a safety camera system. BRTA also seeks to add Mobile Data Terminals and GPS locators for dispatching the vehicles in its final phase of paratransit improvement.
A person's eligibility for public transportation paratransit services will be determined by their mobility and functional ability regarding access to navigate the fixed route service. For ADA travelers, fares are $2.50 per town of travel with a maximum fare of $10.00 for a one-way trip, during days and hours of fixed route bus operation. Non-ADA service is available in member communities 24/7 for $7.50 initially and $2.50 for each additional town with no maximum fare. To reserve a ride, call County Ambulance at 413.499.2527.
December 3, 2011
WINTER STUDENT PASS SEASON TO BEGIN
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority's unlimited use Student Bus Pass for the winter season is available Monday December 5, 2011. The Student Pass program is open to all students through grade 12 and provides unlimited access to the BRTA fixed route bus system for $75 per season. The school year is divided into 3 seasons: fall (8/29 - 12/3), winter (12/5 - 3/17), and spring (3/19 - 6/16). Interested students should contact the BRTA administrative office located at One Columbus Avenue to schedule an appointment to obtain their winter pass. Additional information may be obtained by calling 499-2782 extension 4.
SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2011
Comments received during the 30 day public comment period in June 2011 were presented to the BRTA Advisory Board. They maintained the final trip to West Pittsfield's Route 15 and voted to implement all service changes in this link (PDF) on September 5, 2011. Because the BRTA will not operate on Labor Day, the first day of service for these changes will be Tuesday September 6, 2011.
Preview the revised BRTA route schedules, which go into effect on Monday September 5, 2011.
Click on the links below.
Route 1 Schedule (PDF) Route 2 Schedule(PDF)
Route 3 Schedule (PDF) Route 4-11 Schedule(PDF)
Route 5-13 Schedule (PDF)
Route 12-14 Schedule (PDF) Route 15-16 Schedule(PDF)
Route 21 Schedule (PDF) Route 31-33 Schedule(PDF)
Watch for these new and improved bus schedules to arrive shortly with the EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 date on the front.