Provide the berkshire regional transit authority (brta) with $2507778 of FFY 2025 section 5307 urbanized area formula funds from the small urban pittsfield MA UZA for operating expenses

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) $5,015,556 in obligated funding under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) through a Formula Grant assistance type. The award, dated September 5, 2025, provides $2.51 million in Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Funds for FFY 2025 to support operating expenses through the project completion date of June 30, 2029. BRTA will utilize these funds to maintain and continue fixed route and paratransit transit services across its service area in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, for the state fiscal years 2026-2029 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029).

BRTA operates 13 bus routes serving 13 communities across its 30-member region spanning nearly the size of Rhode Island, providing fixed route public transportation from Williamstown to Great Barrington on a Monday-Saturday schedule. The agency also delivers paratransit services to eligible passengers requiring ambulatory, non-ambulatory, and complementary Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations throughout the greater Pittsfield small urban area. No subrecipient activities were identified under this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide the berkshire regional transit authority (brta) with $2507778 of FFY 2025 section 5307 urbanized area formula funds from the small urban pittsfield MA UZA for operating expenses. The MA small urban split letter reflecting the FFY 2025 apportionment was signed on may 5 2025 (please see attached).

Activities

1. Operating assistance in support of fixed route and paratransit services in brtas service area for state FY 2026-2029 (july 1 2025-june 30 2029)

Expected outcomes

These projects will allow for continued service.

Intended beneficiaries

The brta serves the greater pittsfield area which is designated as a small urban area by the US census department (200000). The brta provides public transportation services to its 30 member communities within berkshire county the westernmost region of massachusetts. The brtas daily service area spans a region almost as large as the state of rhode island; bordered by vermont to the north new york to the west and connecticut to the south. Fixed route service is provided by 13 bus routes in 13 communities from williamstown to great barrington monday-saturday. Paratransit services are provided to eligible persons from the brtas member communities for ambulatory non-ambulatory or complementary ADA services.