Massachusetts: LRTA to Provide Complimentary Bus Travel Until June 2026
In a welcome announcement for the residents of Lowell, the fare-free pilot program for public transit services has been extended until June 30, 2026. This decision, praised by District 8 City Council candidate Marcos Candido as "amazing news!", aims to remove a barrier to academic and social success for Lowell High School students, who often rely on bus service as their primary mode of transportation.
The Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) first began operations in late 1976. Since then, it has grown and evolved, and in recent years, it has received significant funding to improve its services. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts government provided funding for the free fare pilot program, which commenced on Dec. 1, 2024, and is set to end in June 2024. However, the program has now been extended, thanks to continued support from the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll administration.
The LRTA received $1,170,257 in grants to support the extension of the free fare program. This funding has also been used to expand the LRTA's bus fleet, with the addition of four new state-of-the-art, 30-foot buses from Gillig of Livermore, California. These new buses, which feature an updated red-and-gray colour design and seat up to 27 passengers, have increased the LRTA's fleet to 54.
Last October, the LRTA received $6.8 million in federal funding for the transition from diesel-powered to hybrid-electric buses. The new buses are equipped with one of the industry's most sophisticated camera systems for increased visibility, making them safer for both passengers and other road users.
Candido, a strong advocate for improving the public transportation system and supporting safe streets initiatives, believes that free fares increase ridership and reduce traffic, making Lowell's roads safer. He stated that improving the public transportation system is crucial for the best use of the free service in the coming years. There is much to be said about the positives of improving the public transportation system in Lowell, he expressed.
The LRTA is funded by the federal and state governments, local assessments, farebox revenues, parking revenues, and advertising revenues. Its operating budget is $12 million, which is used to serve 14 member communities in the Lowell area and some additional fixed-route destinations.
With the extended free fare program, Lowell residents can look forward to continued access to affordable and reliable public transportation, which will undoubtedly contribute to their academic, social, and economic success.
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