Nowadays, Worcester Regional Transit Authority is a topic that has caused great interest in society. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Worcester Regional Transit Authority has become a relevant issue that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. As Worcester Regional Transit Authority continues to impact our daily lives, it is important to carefully consider its implications and consequences. In this article, we will further explore various perspectives related to Worcester Regional Transit Authority, with the goal of providing a broader understanding of this ever-evolving topic.
Founded | 1974 |
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Headquarters | WRTA Garage - 42 Quinsagamond Avenue WRTA Hub - 60 Foster St. |
Locale | Worcester, Massachusetts |
Service type | bus service, paratransit |
Operator | Central Mass Transit Management |
Website | therta.com |
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.
WRTA buses have been free to ride since 2020, making it the longest-running fare-free system of public transportation in the United States. Currently, the fare-free program is extended until at least June 2024.
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 2020, WRTA made the bus service free to ride. On April 20, 2023, the WRTA extended the policy. Currently, the fare-free program is extended until at least June 2024.
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. 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.
Route | Route Name |
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Route A | Northbridge Walmart - Shoppes at Blackstone Valley via Fisherville |
Route B | New Village - Rockdale - Stop & Stop - Grafton MBTA Station |
Westborough Shuttle | Westborough MBTA to Computer Drive (Commuter) / Westborough Local |
Southbridge, Dudley, Webster Shuttle | via routes 29 & 42 |
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.