Worcester_Regional_Transit_Authority

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

Bus system in Worcester, Massachusetts

Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a public, non-profit organization charged with providing public transportation to the city of Worcester, Massachusetts and the surrounding towns. The WRTA was created in September 1974 under Chapter 161B of the Massachusetts General Laws. This act also created several other regional transit authorities in Massachusetts, including the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority among others; in terms of ridership, the WRTA is the second largest regional transit authority and third largest transit system in Massachusetts.[1]

Quick Facts Founded, Headquarters ...

WRTA buses have been free to ride since 2020, making it the longest-running fare-free system of public transportation in the United States.[2] Currently, the fare-free program is extended until at least June 2024.[2]

History

The WRTA was created in September 1974 under Chapter 161B of the Massachusetts General Laws. This act also created several other regional transit authorities in Massachusetts, including the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority among others

Free fare program

In 2020, WRTA made the bus service free to ride. On April 20, 2023, the WRTA extended the policy.[2] Currently, the fare-free program is extended until at least June 2024.[2]

Routes

The WRTA currently provides fixed route bus service to Worcester, and the surrounding towns of Auburn, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Leicester, Millbury, Oxford, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Webster, West Boylston. In addition to its fixed route bus service, the WRTA provides Community Shuttle Flex Van Service (limited shuttle service) to Grafton, Northbridge, and Westborough.[3] The WRTA also provides paratransit service to a total of 37 communities in Central Massachusetts.

The WRTA's Operations and Maintenance Center is located at 42 Quinsigamond Ave in Worcester's Green Island Neighborhood. This new garage replaces the old one, meant to be a trolley yard, holding just 1/2 of the new capacity. The WRTA's previous facility is now home to a shopping center.

Fixed Route Bus Service

More information Route #, Route Name ...

Community Shuttle Flex Van Service

More information Route, Route Name ...

Fleet

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority operates a fleet of 46 Gillig Low Floor buses, 6 Proterra EcoRide battery electric buses, and 35 Ford E350 minibuses.[4]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    2018 MassDOT Annual Report on Regional Transit Authorities (PDF) (Report). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. p. 30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-05-03.
  2. [2]
    Turken, Sam (2023-04-20). "Worcester area buses to remain free for at least another year". WGBH News. Archived from the original on 2023-04-23. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  3. [3]
    "Worcester Regional Transit Authority Schedules". therta.com. 2017-02-05. Archived from the original on 2016-09-10. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  4. [4]
    "Overview of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority". Mass.Gov. Office of the State Auditor. 2018-08-03. Archived from the original on 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2021-01-08.


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