PITTSFIELD — On Jan. 28, three regional transit authorities in Western Mass will launch Link413, a joint collaboration that offers customers three new longer-distance, weekday bus routes providing direct service across four counties and enabling out-of-state connections.
The pilot initiative is a partnership of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). It was created in response to feedback from customers surveyed in recent years who noted connectivity as a key area for improvement.
“Link413 will fulfill those regional service needs, so now you finally can get there from here,” said BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati.
The three transit authorities received grant funding for multiple years from the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) through the Regional Connectivity and Innovations grant programs.
The Link413 buses offer amenities such as high-back seats, free WiFi and accessibility for customers traveling with the help of mobility devices. The coaches are branded with the Link413 name and images of Western Mass. such as the Connecticut River and surrounding farmland, rolling hills and popular destinations like the Poet’s Seat Tower, Bridge of Flowers and Mount Greylock.
The buses will provide service on three new commuter routes: route 901 will travel one way in approximately 45 minutes between Pittsfield and North Adams; route 903 will travel one way in approximately 90 minutes between North Adams and Greenfield via the communities of Adams, Savoy, Plainfield, Ashfield and Charlemont; and route 904 will travel one way in approximately 90 minutes to connect customers between Pittsfield and Northampton along the Route 9 corridor with intermediate stops in the communities of Dalton, Windsor, Cummington, Goshen, and Williamsburg.
Connections to Boston, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont are also possible with Amtrak’s Valley Flyer, Vermonter, Lake Shore Limited, and Berkshire Flyer train services.
Link413 service will also offer multiple roundtrips on weekdays between the cities of North Adams, Greenfield, Pittsfield and Northampton. Each route will provide intermediate stops in communities along each corridor.
A one-way Link413 ticket will cost $10 per trip, or $5 per trip for qualifying customers. Riders can buy tickets through MassDOT’s BusPlus+ mobile phone app.
“When combined with local transit service improvements, the Link413 system will increase accessibility and help connect residents throughout Western Mass.,” said Sandra Sheehan, administrator of PVTA.
Tina Cote, the administrator for FRTA, said “Our goal with this project is to provide improved direct connections between our Western Mass communities for commuters, job seekers, students and visitors. Projects like Link413 demonstrate how much can be done when authorities work together.”
