PVTA Announces New Link413 Bus System

Link413, a new long-distance commuter bus system, now makes it possible to easily travel between multiple Western Massachusetts towns. 

On Jan. 28, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), and the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) launched the new bus system intended to connect the Berkshires, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties. Link413 is operating with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Regional Transit Innovation and Connectivity Grant (RTIG), which supports projects aimed at improving integration in rural areas underserved by existing transportation options.

According to BRTA Administrator Kathleen Lambert, Link413 was designed with the intention to facilitate connectivity in Western Massachusetts, especially among residents of rural areas, creating opportunities for people to have various types of employment, access to medical facilities and other educational campuses, or just “have a little fun for the day.” 

PVTA Administrator Sandra Sheehan explained that a BRTA survey of the Berkshires’ residents found a need for more transportation to areas such as Springfield and Northampton. 

The three operational bus routes — Pittsfield-North Adams, North Adams-Greenfield, and Pittsfield-Northampton — offer direct service to the communities of Adams, Ashfield, Charlemont, Cummington, Dalton, Goshen, Greenfield, North Adams, Northampton, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Savoy, Williamsburg, and Windsor. 

Regarding college students from Amherst, Sheehan mentioned that the system will give them easier access to the Berkshires, a region with many hiking trails and outdoor activities. Lambert also explained that Amherst College students can use regular PVTA bus services to reach one of the Link413 transfer stops, such as Northampton, and connect from there. 

Lambert also mentioned that the system will facilitate access for Williams College students —  located in Williamstown, a 10-minute drive from North Adams —  to places such as Northampton. 

“I know our Williams College students are really excited to be able to go to Northampton or Greenfield for the day and … do something different,” Lambert said. “[Students can] get off campus and get out of the town a little bit without having to make a major trip to Boston or Albany.”

The current full fare is $10, but a reduced fare of $5 is available for customers over 60 years old, with a Statewide Access Pass, or with a Medicare Card. Free fare is available for children younger than 5 years old or customers with a Massachusetts Commission for the Blind ID Card.  

Link413 is currently in a two-year pilot period, and its extended offering will depend on evaluations of certain metrics such as ridership. This period, as Sheehan noted, will allow them to understand what is working for the population and what needs improvement.

“[If] we see a lot of … students, maybe we [can] offer student fare … [or if] the bus stops that we decided on might not be the best locations, then we could switch those locations, and the same with the times.” 

Sheehan also mentioned the possibility of expanding the service to the Amherst region in the future if the bus line proves successful. 

“We’ve been talking to the public about it, and the main thing is people need to use the service. If they use the service, then we have evidence and data to show MassDOT that this is a needed service in our communities.” Lambert said.