Traffic & Transit
Talks On WRTA Free Fare Policy Delayed Amid Union Negotiations
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is negotiating a new contract covering drivers and mechanics.
WORCESTER, MA — A discussion about extending the Worcester Regional Transit Authority's fare free policy has been pushed back until after August due to contract negotiations with a union that represents bus drivers and mechanics.
The WRTA board was set to discuss the fair policy last Thursday, but WRTA Administrator Dennis Lipka asked the members to wait until after the contract is settled. After the new contract is in place, the transit system will have a better idea of future labor costs, he said.
The union contract talks should be done by the end of August, he said. The WRTA board was set to meet in closed session about the contract on Thursday.
"We will be talking to the board about fare policy in the fall," Lipka said on July 21.
WRTA buses are free until at least Dec. 31. It's possible the board will vote to extend the free fare period, using federal stimulus dollars related to the pandemic to pay for the program. WRTA is the only entirely free bus system in the state, although the MBTA has made three of its bus routes in Boston free.
The recently passed state budget — which Gov. Charlie Baker has yet to sign — also includes $2.5 million regional transit authorities in the state to use to study free-fare programs. That money might be used later in 2022 to make buses free across the state for a few weeks, Lipka said.
The Worcester City Council has weighed in on the issue. The council voted unanimously on June 21 to request WRTA continue fare-free for the 2023 calendar year.
WRTA serves over 30 cities and towns across the region, and the board includes members from towns including Auburn, Spencer, Shrewsbury, Clinton, Oxford, Southbridge, Millbury, Holden and Grafton. All buses serving those communities are free, as are the paratransit buses serving elderly and disabled riders.
