BUSINESS BUZZ
SRTA
RIDES INTO THE FUTURE
It’s no secret that public transportation across the region, nation, and world took it on the chin during the pandemic.
by Steven Froias First came the lockdown, then the slow reopening, and then continuing restrictions over the course of a year and more. Even the vaunted 24-hour New York City subway sharply curtailed its service for months before gradually resuming a semblance of normalcy during the Covid-19 crisis. So you would think that the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA), operating fixed-route and on-demand service throughout the South Coast area, spent the pandemic stuck in neutral. But you’d be wrong. In fact, SRTA spent the year adapting to the moment at hand and planning for the road ahead. SRTA implemented or announced new initiatives for a post-pandemic future during 2020 and into 2021, all while offering ridership free fares at first and then reduced fares, which remain in effect. In fact, despite the economic
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challenges of navigating the pandemic, when full fares resume in October, they will do so at pre-pandemic rates. No fare increases are on the horizon at SRTA despite over a year of lost revenue. Partially, that’s due to federal Covid relief funds. However, some of SRTA’s other recent achievements are due to a dedicated team determined to move forward – despite any roadblocks.
SRTA in Real Time
The first sign that SRTA was still in gear was, literally, a sign. Back in April, SRTA unveiled electronic signs at both its New Bedford and Fall River SRTA bus terminals that display real-time schedule information for all routes
operating in its system. It was a project planned before the pandemic, and one that reached its destination despite it. “This technology will help our riders better move through their day as well as our network,” explains SRTA Administrator Erik B. Rousseau. “It takes the guesswork out of waiting for the bus. Especially when our drivers have to deal with inclement weather or a detour due to road work.” The outside sign displays consist of three lines which display time and date, and cycle through the arrivals at each terminal. The inside boards are much larger and have several lines of display – much like departure boards in
“This technology will help our riders better move through their day as well as our network".
October 2021 | The South Coast Insider
a train station or airport. They count down the minutes until each bus arrives at the station. In addition to being of benefit to riders, the real-time data will help SRTA better direct its resources and improve its quality of service. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan commented after the signs were installed, “These upgrades will make it easier for our residents to take advantage of SRTA’s services, which are fundamental to the wellbeing of the Fall River community. This step represents SRTA’s commitment to connecting the Southeastern Massachusetts community through efficiency, accessibility and innovation.”
Intercity life
After that, SRTA made another announcement which reflected Mayor Coogan’s sentiment. In May, SRTA shared the news
