Worcester, MA — Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is proud to announce it has surpassed 5 million rides this year, a milestone that reflects not just growing ridership, but the authority’s deepening impact on equity and access in the Central Massachusetts region.
Public transit has long been a critical link to opportunity for thousands of residents. It connects people to jobs, schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and essential services. For those without access to a car, transit offers independence, consistency, and a reliable way to participate in daily life.
WRTA has provided fare-free service since 2020, made possible through funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Fair Share Amendment. Suspending fares has helped eliminate a major barrier for riders, making transit more accessible and equitable across the region. This has played a significant role in reaching the 5 million ride milestone by allowing more people to rely on public transportation without the burden of cost.
“Surpassing 5 million rides is a powerful reminder of the essential role public transit plays in the lives of our residents,” said WRTA Administrator Josh Rickman. “This milestone reflects the ongoing investments in service reliability, route efficiency, and community engagement. Our operators, contractors, and staff have worked hard to make transit more dependable, responsive, and aligned with the needs of the people we serve.”
Doug Belanger, WRTA Advisory Board Chairperson added: “This achievement shows what happens when we prioritize smart planning and consistent service delivery. From expanding service hours to launching new initiatives, WRTA has stayed focused on building a transit system people can count on. Five million rides is proof that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The milestone comes as WRTA continues to invest in service enhancements, including:
- Comprehensive Service Analysis & Survey
- Accessibility Upgrades for Visually Impaired Riders
- Central Hub Lobby Renovation
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Upgrades
- Improvement to Customer Facing Technology (i.e. bus tracking) and Internal Operations
- Bus Stop Improvements
- Bus Rebranding
A community celebration to mark the 5 million rides is scheduled for September 18, 2025, during the quarterly “Rider’s Forum.” Attendees can enjoy fun giveaways and have the opportunity to engage directly with WRTA staff. Information about the upcoming Comprehensive Service Analysis and related survey will also be available. WRTA team members will be on-site at the Central Hub to share details about new initiatives and gather valuable community feedback. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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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. In 2025, WRTA provided 5 million passenger trips throughout its system. All fixed routes and paratransit services are free through June 2026.