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Welcome to Our New Home and to Our ... A Brief History of Public ... Recent History of the BRTA BRTA timeline A Quarter Century of Transporting ... Not Just the B Bus Why Ride the Bus? ARCHIVES |
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November 17, 2004
  Articles on this page: • Why Ride the Bus? Why Ride the Bus? It goes without saying the riding public transit helps reduce pollution and our dependence on oil, foreign and domestic. It's a more sociable way to travel, and it allows the commuter to use his or her time to snack, read, rest, listen to music, talk on the phone, or even get a head start on the day's work - things you just can't do when you're the driver. But did you know that university studies have proved that for every dollar invested in public transit there's a $6 return to local economy? In addition to the jobs generated providing the bus service and money spent with BRTA contractors and material providers, everyone who gets on the bus or the van is on their way to either make money or spend money - they're going to work or going shopping, to a doctor's appointment or to get a prescription filled at the pharmacy. People who ride the BRTA are on the move to help dollars flow through our region. "A lot of folks think we're not cost effective, based on a snapshot moment seeing the bus go by with just two or three people on board," said BRTA Administrator Charles "Chuck" MacNeil, "But if you have an hour to spare, ride the bus and see all the people who get on and off." Buses are not just for those who can't afford or don't chose to own a car, or for those whose physical disabilities prevent them from driving. With the opening of the new Intermodal Transportation Center in downtown Pittsfield you could literally pack you bags in the morning, hop on the B bus, and, after an easy transfer or two, find yourself in New York City, Chicago, or even Montreal by night fall. The B bus doesn't just take you to work or to the mall, now it is your gateway to the world.
If you find yourself in trouble - perhaps you fear you are being followed or you are experiencing a sudden medical emergency - flag down the B bus. The BRTA has joined forces with the police departments in many BRTA member towns to create the Safe Bus program which provides an emergency safe haven and temporary transportation aboard the bus. The drivers have radio communication on board and a network in place to contact authorities in case of an emergency. If necessary, the police or emergency medical personnel can meet a bus along its route. Did you know you can get a tax break and save money on your insurance if you ride the bus to work? Another exciting new project of the BRTA is the Commuter Choice tax incentive program for employees and employers. Federal guidelines allow for employers to provide public transit vouchers or passes as a tax free benefit to their employees. "Public transit is an environmentally friendly and cost efficient way to get employees to work," MacNeil explained, "And it costs less than building an additional parking lot or a garage." Most Insurance companies offer a premium discount off of one's car insurance if you can prove you have used public transit. Regularly people should check with their individual insurers and then save their punched out transit passes to turn in as proof that they have used public transit on a regular basis. "Public transit may not seem like a glamorous subject to most, but its very important to the social fabric of the region," MacNeil said, "The Berkshires are a challenging environment in which to get people to make public transportation a priority. This is not an urban area, there's not too much traffic, there's a different quality of life here, but also a lot of folks who definitely depend on our services. That's the challenge to make sure we continue to do our good job and serve those who depend on us, and also to help the region by making the best uses of our resources." Did you know that you can take your bike on the bus? If you are planning a day on the Ashuwillticock Rail Trail just board the B bus and you can get off anywhere along the Trail Route. How about a leisurely bike ride alongside Cheshire Lake and then lunch in Adams, Cheshire or at the Mall? No parking hassles and environmentally friendly too! "With the opening of the Intermodal Center transportation in the Berkshires has truly moved into the 21st century. Over my years with the BRTA I have seen improvements in service, new buses and now a new center all while maintaining a very affordable means of transportation." Sandra Lamb Chair, BRTA Advisory Board Executive Director, North Adams CoA  RETURN TO TOP |
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