Governor Healey is making some nine point five million dollars available to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority in order to provide free bus fares.
Governor Healey, in Greenfield says it all comes down to whether or not you can afford the service as to whether you can afford it or not.
“Hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents rely on their Regional Transit Authorities to get to and from work, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments and school. We’re proud to be delivering this funding to help RTAs keep their service fare free to save money for riders and encourage more people to use public transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful for the leadership of Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano and the entire Legislature to make regional transportation more affordable and accessible across our state.”
“The results of the fare free pilot programs our RTAs have been running for the past few years have been incredible. More riders are saving money by choosing to take public transportation in their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to be able to support the continuation of these programs with full state funding, which will significantly benefit our residents, communities, businesses and economy.”
“So many residents rely on public transit on a daily basis, and by enabling free fares at a number of our regional transit systems, we are making transportation more equitable for those who need it the most,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This great new fare free program is a testament to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to giving Massachusetts’ residents greater access to mobility options."
PVTA is expected to roll out the new service on November 1.