GREENFIELD — Due to increasing costs and stagnant state funds, the Franklin Regional Transit Authority is looking to change rates and routes in the area and wants to know how this could impact riders.
The FRTA is looking for public opinions in a series of meetings occurring in April. Those who may be affected by the modified or eliminated routes and increased fares are encouraged to attend.
“All transit authorities are facing the same unfortunate situation of having to increase fares or reduce service,” Tina Cote, FRTA administrator, said.
“We have to do this because of the budget (Gov. Charlie Baker) put forward. We’ve been level-funded for fourth year in a row here,” she added.
Possible changes include fares increasing between 15 and 25 cents and a number of routes either being modified or cut. These routes extend throughout the area, from Northampton to Greenfield to Turners Falls.
Meetings will be held at the John W. Olver Transit Center in Greenfield and Montague Town Hall in Turners Falls.
In Greenfield, the meetings are:
Monday from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 19, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Monday, April 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
In Montague, the meetings are:
Thursday, April 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 24, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Public comments can also be sent by email to tina@frta.org or michael@frta.org, by phone at 413-773-8090 ext. 102, through the FRTA website or in writing to Tina M. Cote, FRTA administrator, 12 Olive St., Greenfield.