Worcester, MA – The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) in partnership with the Commonwealth’s fourteen other Regional Transit Authorities announced this week that from November 25 through December 31, 2022 no fares or passes will be needed across the state for fixed route bus and paratransit services. The “Try Transit” initiative is possible, thanks in part, by state funding through MassDOT. The grant was awarded to all fifteen of the Commonwealth’s Regional Transit Authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and plan for implementation.
The program is designed to encourage new customers to “Try Transit” by offering no cost trips to shop or dine at local businesses, visit with friends and family, and commute to work during the holiday season. This exciting initiative will of course offer a financial reprieve to current riders during these times of high inflation, with the hope to increase spending at local shops and restaurants throughout the Commonwealth.
Although the WRTA has remained fare-free since initially pausing its fare policy in March 2020, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, they are eager for other RTAs across the region to offer this opportunity to ridership.
“The suspension of our fare policy has been popular amongst our riders and we hope that individuals throughout the Commonwealth will take advantage of this no cost program and give transit a try this Holiday Season!” said WRTA Administrator, Dennis Lipka.
“MassDOT is pleased to have worked closely with the Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities to utilize the funding awarded in the FY23 state budget for the “Try Transit” program. This initiative is another example of the many efforts where MassDOT and the RTAs collaborate to improve mobility options for Massachusetts transit customers,” commented MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger.
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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 30, 2023. Learn how to safely and independently ride the WRTA, today!