WRTA Proposing Changes To Multiple Bus Routes

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Regional Transit Authority may soon make changes to eight fixed bus routes and a shuttle that serves towns in southern Worcester County, according to the agency.

A public hearing on the changes later this month will allow riders to give the transit agency feedback. The WRTA advisory board could vote on the changes at the end of July, with new routes starting Aug. 27.

Here are the proposed changes, according to WRTA:

Routes 1, 3

• These two routes would be aligned at the central bus hub in downtown Worcester, effectively creating a single bus route. Route 1 serves the Worcester Walmart shopping plaza, Vernon Hill and Union Hill. Route 3 travels between downtown, Newton Square and Worcester State University via June Street.

Routes 5, 6

• Extra weekday trips would be added to both routes, but Route 5 would no longer serve North High School along Harrington Way. Route 12 would take over that service.

Routes 8, 25

• These two routes would be combined into one and extended past Gold Star Boulevard to the Greendale YMCA. Route 8 connects Webster Square and the former Greendale Mall via Park Avenue, but doesn't stop at the downtown hub. The new route would include the downtown hub.

Route 12

• In addition to adding trips to North High School, Route 12 would be extended east into Shrewsbury to access a new Market Basket shopping plaza along Route 20 near Lake Street.

Route 14

• WRTA will adjust the route schedule slightly after shortening the route to end at the Porter and Chester Institute along Brooks Street rather than the now-demolished Showcase Cinemas site.

Webster, Dudley, Southbridge shuttle

• Adds a stop at Nichols College along Center Road.

The public hearing on the proposed changes will take place July 14 at 6 p.m. Find details about the meeting here.