LEVERETT — The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) is launching a new weekday round-trip service from Amherst to Greenfield that, for the first time, will include a stop in Leverett.

The agency announced this week the start of the Monday-through-Friday route that heads north each day at 8:30 a.m. from the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk in Amherst, with the nearly hour-long rides also leaving at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

After arriving at Leverett Town Hall, 9 Montague Road, 15 minutes later, the bus will stop at three Sunderland locations: Cliffside Apartments, 248 Amherst Road; Sanderson Place, 120 North Main St.; and Sugarloaf Estates, 28 River Road. The final two stops are in Greenfield, at the John W. Olver Transit Center, 12 Olive St., and Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 164 High St. The final stops are scheduled for 9:26 a.m., 11:26 a.m. and 1:56 p.m.

The route heading south starts at Baystate Franklin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., returning to each of the stops on the northern route and taking 55 minutes in all. The route concludes at the Bangs Community Center at 10:25 a.m., 12:25 p.m. and 2:55 p.m.

State Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, said the area’s delegation was strongly supportive of this project, with advocacy coming from the South County Senior Center and Amherst Council on Aging, as well as both PVTA and its partner, the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA).

Blais said both transit agencies provide innovative and responsive services, and that the collaborative effort serves a documented need for additional connections to the Greenfield area.

“The improved service will enhance access to employment, medical care, social activities and so much more,” Blais explained.

People in Leverett were informed by Blais about the new route previously.

“Having shared this news with Leverett residents earlier this year,” she said, “I can tell you that there is a great deal of excitement for this cross-county service and we look forward to building on its success.”

Brandy Pelletier, who handles public relations for PVTA, said the route was funded by a state Department of Transportation Regional Transit Innovation Grant, with partners including PVTA’s ADA Paratransit provider MV Transit and the South County and Amherst senior centers.

“PVTA in partnership with FRTA developed this route to ensure improved connectivity between Amherst and Greenfield while providing new service to the town of Leverett with a stop at the Leverett Town Hall,” Pelletier said.

Leverett has not previously had a regular bus route, though its residents have been able to access various PVTA van services.

“The idea for the Amherst-Greenfield route was brought forth by community advocates in Leverett and Sunderland that included Village Neighbors and Jennifer Remillard, director of the South County Senior Center,” Pelletier said.

Hayley Bolton, director of the Amherst Senior Center, said the new route will not only help isolated seniors, but will aid older adults in getting to medical appointments.

The bus will not operate on most holidays.

PVTA goes fare-free

PVTA will go fare-free beginning Nov. 1, part of a statewide “Try Transit” initiative that provides funding to allow transit authorities to waive fees for riders.

No fares or passes will be needed for fixed-route buses and paratransit service, which does not include route B79, through June 30, 2025. Funds were awarded through the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget.

FRTA, meanwhile, has waived its fees since the start of the pandemic.

“PVTA provides vital transportation services in our community, offering equitable mobility options that help people get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping centers, events, social outings and more,” Pelletier said. “The ‘Try Transit’ program is a great time for people to experience the benefits of taking public transportation.”

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.