Worcester, MA — Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) proudly announces its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated service to the residents of Central Massachusetts. Since its inception in 1974, WRTA has been committed to providing accessible, reliable, and sustainable public transportation opportunities that connect communities and enhance the quality of life for all.
Over the past 50 years, WRTA has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of its ridership, adapting to technological advancements, demographic shifts, and environmental challenges. Most recently, WRTA has been recognized as the longest-standing fare-free transit system across the nation as it continues to cover the cost of fares using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as well as funding from the Fair Share Amendment for Fiscal year 2024.
On Thursday, March 7, WRTA’s 50th Anniversary was “saluted” at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Breakfast Club Event with Governor Maura Healey addressing the crowd as Keynote Speaker. Administrator Rickman accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
WRTA commemorates this significant milestone, by wrapping one of its 54 buses in a design reflective of one of its original buses from the 1970s. Riders can catch this rolling tribute on one of the 23 Fixed-Routes throughout Worcester and the surrounding communities.
In addition to wrapping the bus, WRTA is working to plan initiatives throughout the year to engage the community and celebrate this momentous occasion. For more information about future announcements regarding WRTA’s 50th Anniversary celebration, upcoming events, and new initiatives, please visit therta.com.
“We invite everyone in the community to join us in celebrating 50 years of connecting people, places, and memories,” added WRTA Chairperson Doug Belanger “Together, let’s ride into the future with pride and gratitude for the past, knowing that the best is yet to come.”
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The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and the surrounding 36 communities in the Central Massachusetts area with a bus fleet that includes diesel-electric hybrid buses, and clean-diesel buses. The second largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts, the WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to work, shopping, school, medical appointments, and leisure activities. The WRTA also provides paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, as well as a variety of special services for those groups in the entire service area. All fixed routes and paratransit services are free through June 2024.