State Grant Awarded to SRTA for Sunday Pilot Program

Sunday bus service may soon be coming to the New Bedford-Fall River area.

The Baker-Polito administration has announced a series of grants totaling $3.5 million to regional transit authorities around the state.

Among the recipients is the New Bedford-based Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA). It will receive $318,000 to begin a pilot program for Sunday service. SRTA currently does not provide bus service on Sunday.

Governor Charlie Baker says grants will help transit authorities to enhance existing services and develop innovative plans to provide more reliable service to riders.

The RTA funding recipients have been selected based upon factors such as whether projects will increase ridership, demonstrate innovation, serve a priority population, be financially sustainable, and provide cost savings or operational efficiencies. Applicants were also requested to have complete business plans and present measurable milestones.

“We are helping to ensure that people throughout Massachusetts have the best options for reaching jobs and economic opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Each of these projects will help improve Regional Transit Authorities’ services and we look forward to seeing their completion.”

Information from the State House News Service