Customers of the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) will be able to ride for free over the first six months of 2024.
From January 1 through June 30 riders of fixed route and demand response services will ride for free thanks to state funds allocated to SRTA from the Fair Share Act, which adds a 4% surtax to taxpayers with income over $1 million.
SRTA Administrator and CEO Erik Rousseau says the funds will allow for the re-launch of the carrier’s “Try Transit” program, which is geared toward growing ridership, spurring local economic development and giving riders impacted by inflation some financial relief. SRTA implemented a smaller “Try Transit” pilot for six weeks last holiday season. Mr. Rousseau says he hopes the Authority will gather valuable data from the program.
Some state leaders on Beacon Hill have been calling for free public transportation for all permanently. Mr. Rousseau says he is unsure whether the “Try Transit” program will lead to free rides past the next six months.
SRTA’s “Tray Trsnsit” program will also include another pilot project to resume Sunday service for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Along with the implementation of free and Sunday service to begin the year, SRTA has added new hybrid buses to its fleet.
SRTA expects to accept delivery of all its 40 hybrid buses by the spring of 2025.
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