Worcester – Not many things in life are free, however, on the weekend of April 28 and 29, 2012, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) will offer free fare on all of its fixed bus routes. This “free ride” is being offered in conjunction with the installation of the WRTA's new bus pass system and farebox system.
The new system will offer riders the choice of a 31-day WRTA pass, a one-day pass, or the Charlie Card, which offers riders the option of having stored value placed on the card (and replaces the existing 10-ride pass). The same Charlie Card can also be used on the MBTA (fixed route and subway, not the commuter rail), and any Mass. transit system that uses the Charlie Card. Additionally, when riders use the Charlie Card, they will automatically receive a discounted fare of an introductory 20 cents discount on a single ride.
WRTA ticket representatives will be available at City Hall Plaza for the entire weekend to explain the changes in the passes and to help riders with ticket exchanges.
During April 28 – 29 weekend and Monday, April 30, a WRTA shuttle service will be offered from City Hall Plaza to the WRTA Customer Service Center, located at 317 Main St., Worcester, where riders can begin purchasing the new passes at the WRTA's new Ticket Vending Machines. There will also be WRTA ticket representatives on-hand at the Customer Service Center to assist people in how to operate the new ticket vending machines.
The WRTA's 10-Ride passes will no longer be available after April 27, 2012 and will not be accepted after that date. Anyone who has remaining rides on a partially used 10-ride pass can load the remaining value onto a Charlie Card (no cash value will be returned) by visiting the WRTA Main Office at 287 Grove St. This offer expires on June 30, 2012. Reduced Fare Charlie Cards are also available and can only be purchased at the WRTA Customer Service Center. The discounted reduce fare using the Reduced Fare Charlie Card is an introductory 10 cents for a single ride.
“This is really an exciting time for public transit in our region,” said WRTA Administrator Stephen O”Neil. “By tying our fareboxes to the Charlie Card System, WRTA riders are able to seamlessly use any transit system in the state that uses the same farebox system.”
For more information on the new passes and farebox system, visit www.therta.com and click on the “how to” video link on the home page.
