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Regional transit pilot expands demand‑response service to seven days for Northfield residents
Summary
FRTA and FRCOG officials told the Northfield Council on Aging that a MassDOT Demand Response Access Grant will fund a five‑year pilot expanding demand‑response service to seven days a week with longer hours, subscription trips, and automated scheduling; the state initially covers a share so riders pay no fare.
The Franklin Regional Transit Authority and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments presented details June 16 on a MassDOT‑funded demand‑response pilot that expands service for Northfield to seven days a week and longer daily hours. FRTA officials said the five‑year pilot is funded in part by the MassDOT Demand Response Access Grant and that the state is currently covering a share of the program so riders do not pay a fare while the pilot runs.
Michael Perreault, deputy administrator for the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, and Megan Rhodes, planner with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, told the Council the pilot will be administered regionally and will allow older adults and people with disabilities priority access; empty seats may be filled by members of the general public after priority riders are served. Officials said service hours for seniors are available 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends during the current transition to the new provider.
Megan Rhodes said, "This new pilot program uses automated scheduling software; rides can now be scheduled anywhere from 2 months in advance right up until real time." Presenters described subscription trips for recurring medical appointments and regular errands, noting seniors have up to two months to schedule in advance while general‑public riders can book about one week ahead. Drivers will provide curb‑to‑curb service in fully accessible vehicles but will not wait at appointments; scheduled aides may accompany riders free when prearranged.
FRTA representatives said the vans previously based in Bernardston have been moved to Turners Falls and that the authority contracts with private providers to operate the service regionally. Information and brochures are available at frta.org; FRTA plans to present the program to the town Selectboard on July 7. After the five‑year pilot the town could choose to continue the service — at that time the municipality would assume a larger share of the cost if it so chooses.
