BRTA Propped Up With $5.7M Federal Infusion

With ridership about one-third what it was before the coronavirus outbreak, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is getting $5.7 million in federal relief money.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration announced the grant Tuesday as part of the $25 billion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 27. The BRTA will use the grant to support continued transit service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

On April 6, the BRTA cut back five routes, as the average daily ridership had fallen from 1,700 passengers to 550. The routes went from hourly stops to every two hours for service from Pittsfield to Lee, North Adams, Dalton/Hinsdale, Berkshire Community College, and between Lee and Great Barrington.

The BRTA also requires riders to be on a "critical trip," wear a mask and practice social distancing while riding a "B" bus.

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