BRTA Extends Fare-Free Rides for Seniors & Announces Employee Bonus
BRTA Extends Fare-Free Rides for Seniors. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) has announced two major updates for 2025 that will greatly benefit rural senior citizens and BRTA employees. The authority has decided to extend fare-free rides for rural seniors until June 2026 and grant a special bonus to its hardworking staff. These decisions were finalized during the latest BRTA Advisory Board meeting, where the fiscal year 2025 supplemental grant was discussed.
This move aims to support low-income elderly residents, improve accessibility, and appreciate the efforts of BRTA employees who continue to serve thousands of passengers across Berkshire County.
BRTA Extends Free Rides for Rural Seniors
BRTA has officially voted to make non-ADA rural senior rides fare-free starting December 2025 and continuing through June 2026. This is part of the authority’s mission to improve transportation access for elderly residents living in remote communities.
Why This Matters
Many seniors in rural towns struggle with transportation costs. Some residents previously had to pay $30 for a single trip—especially for medical appointments.
Sarah Fontaine, BRTA representative from Adams, shared an example:
“In Peru, seniors were paying $30 for every doctor visit. This fare-free decision is a blessing for them.”
This update will remove the financial burden and ensure seniors can travel safely without worrying about transportation fees.
Who Qualifies for BRTA Rural Senior Fare-Free Rides?
The Senior Rural Transportation Program is available for:
Eligibility Requirements
- Age 60 years or older
- Residing in one of the following communities:
Alford, Becket, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock, Hinsdale, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, Otis, Peru, Richmond, Savoy, Washington, West Stockbridge, Windsor
Service Hours
- Monday to Saturday
- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Apply
- Seniors must complete a short application form before using the service.
- Rides must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
What Are Non-ADA BRTA Services?
BRTA’s Non-ADA service is designed for:
- Residents living outside fixed bus routes
- Individuals with disabilities who have no access to regular transit services
- Rural communities that depend on scheduled transportation
These services bridge the transportation gap for people who cannot access BRTA’s regular bus routes.
Funding Breakdown — Where the $724,000 Grant Will Be Used
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation awarded BRTA a supplemental grant of $724,000 for FY 2025. Here’s the official breakdown:
1. Fare-Free Rides for Seniors — $14,000
Used to cover the cost of making rural senior rides free from December through June.
2. Thank-You Bonus for BRTA Employees — Less than $40,000
BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati approved a special one-time appreciation bonus for all employees.
They will receive a personalized note saying:
“Please accept this one-time check as a token of my appreciation for the work you do.”
This bonus recognizes staff dedication, especially during high-demand service periods.
3. Collective Bargaining Agreement Fund — $671,000
The remaining majority of the grant supports ongoing labor agreements and contract requirements.
Federal Grants: BRTA Receives an Additional $8 Million
In other major news, BRTA also secured $8 million in grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Grant Allocation
- $5+ million → New hybrid buses to replace old vehicles
- $3 million → Rehabilitation of the BRTA maintenance facility and operations
Upgrading the fleet with hybrid buses will:
- Reduce emissions
- Lower fuel costs
- Improve ride quality for passengers
- Extend fleet life
Ridership Increasing After Fare-Free Policy
BRTA Administrator Malnati confirmed that going fare-free has significantly increased ridership.
Current Ridership Growth
- Monthly ridership has grown 30% compared to last year
- BRTA expects over 700,000 riders this year
- Last year’s ridership was around 620,000 passengers
This shows a clear public demand for affordable and accessible transportation.
Why BRTA Fare-Free Plan Matters (2025 Update)
This decision brings several benefits for the community:
Supports Low-Income Seniors
Helps older adults access healthcare, groceries, and essential services without worrying about costs.
Reduces Rural Transportation Inequality
People in remote towns often lack fixed-route bus services—this plan fills the gap.
Encourages More People to Use Public Transport
More riders mean fewer cars, less traffic, and reduced carbon emissions.
Appreciates Employee Hard Work
Transit workers continued their service despite staff shortages and rising passenger numbers—bonuses boost morale.
Conclusion
BRTA’s latest fare-free extension and employee bonuses show a strong commitment to community support and public service improvement. With new funding, upgraded buses, and better accessibility for seniors, BRTA continues to strengthen transportation across Berkshire County.
