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Select Board authorizes letter urging FRTA to consider local routing knowledge for proposed commuter service
Summary
After an FRTA update, the Charlemont Select Board voted to authorize Kim Blakeslee to write a letter urging FRTA to incorporate local knowledge about Route 2, Shunpike, and turnaround locations for a proposed Greenfield–North Adams commuter route.
The Charlemont Select Board on Dec. 16 authorized Chair member Kim Blakeslee to write a letter urging the Franklin Regional Transit Authority to consider local knowledge about road conditions and turnaround options for a proposed Greenfield–North Adams commuter route.
Blakeslee reported on an FRTA meeting in which FRTA staff described a $1.3 million grant to provide commuter service between Greenfield and North Adams. Board members said FRTA’s draft plan did not favor Route 2 or local turnaround points such as Shunpike, and expressed concerns about bus size, safety, and access to Monroe and Florida. Michael Perrault (FRTA staff) had said the draft found Route 2 infeasible as a year-round motor coach corridor and that the proposed stop in Charlemont would be at the Park-and-Ride.
Valentine Reid moved to authorize Kim Blakeslee to write a letter on behalf of the Select Board urging FRTA to incorporate local road knowledge into route planning; Jared Bellows seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Administrator Sarah Reynolds said she will follow up on coordination with state Department of Transportation contacts if FRTA requests it.
Board members said Mohawk State Park and seasonal hiking traffic could influence ridership, and they asked FRTA to coordinate with the state DOT when finalizing routing.
