The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority is ending its Boston Commuter bus next month.
“Changing commuting demand and unsustainable cost increases” are reasons the Haverhill-based authority listed for canceling the service. Riders from across the Merrimack Valley are served by the Boston Commuter bus which runs from Methuen, Lawrence and Andover.
As consolation, the agency is offering free service on the route starting Aug. 15, through the last day of service.
Service ends Tuesday, Sept. 6, but Authority officials say they are working with current Boston Commuter riders, with support from the Van Pool program at MassDOT, to establish a Van Pool with a donated transit authority van. Those interested in taking part are asked to call 978-469-6878.
As WHAV reported last week, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority will soon sport a new name and look. After nearly 50 years, the agency becomes “MeVa,” short for Merrimack Valley. Administrator Noah S. Berger told WHAV “MeVa Transit is spiffier, easier to say and we believe more inviting.”