Free MeVa bus service will continue in Greater Haverhill for the foreseeable future as the state steps up with $30 million from the previously approved state budget.
Gov. Maura T. Healey celebrated the continuation of free service at an event Thursday in Greenfield, home to the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which has been providing fare-free fixed route service since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. MeVa removed its last fare box at the end of February 2022 for what was to be a two-year pilot program.
MeVa Administrator Noah S. Berger, a guest Thursday on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program applauded the move and explained its importance. “A lot of our folks who are riding our service, it’s either us or nothing so that’s really critical,” he said.
In a separate statement, Berger added, “Since going fare free, our fixed route bus ridership has quadrupled and now exceeds pre-pandemic levels by over 60%, while passenger complaints are down a third. Bus trips are faster, and drivers are happier because they no longer have to police the fare policy.” He went on to say, “Our subsidies per passenger are down, while our riders report no longer having to ration trips to medical or educational appointments due to cost, and they are keeping more money in their pockets to spend at local businesses in Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill.”
During his appearance over WHAV, Berger invited the public to attend MeVa’s 50th anniversary party Friday, Nov. 1, from noon-4 p.m., at Sen. Patricia McGovern Transportation Center, 211 Merrimack St., Lawrence. There will be refreshments and giveaways.
Healey was joined at the Greenfield ceremony by MassDOT Undersecretary Hayes Morrison, Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher, Sen. Jo Comerford and Reps. Natalie Blais and Susannah Whipps at John W. Olver Transit Center.
With the new state subsidy, 13 out of 15 of the state’s regional transit authorities are offering free bus service.
“Hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents rely on their regional transit authorities to get to and from work, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments and school. We’re proud to be delivering this funding to help RTAs keep their service fare free to save money for riders and encourage more people to use public transportation,” said Healey.
Working together, the 13 bus systems submitted a joint application to disburse the $30 million made available in the state budget based on ridership within their service areas. Each has been offering fare-free service in recent years using federal and state funds.