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The Southeast Regional Transit Authority’s (SRTA) decision to extend its free transportation program through June 2025 is an initiative that not only removes economic barriers for many New Bedford residents, but also improves access to essential services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and workplaces. Many immigrant workers rely on public transportation.
SRTA’s 25 bus routes across New Bedford and neighboring areas have seen a noticeable increase in ridership, reflecting the acceptance and success of the initiative. Riders appreciate the impact that free transportation has on their daily lives and family budgets.
For Jose Perez, a regular rider, this service allows him to shop and get to work without the added worry of transportation costs. “It’s a great opportunity for us, especially being able to use it on Sundays as well,” he said.
The program not only encourages access to everyday activities, but also to recreational outings. Some users say they can now use the transportation for family trips.
Another aspect that passengers value is the friendly treatment of the drivers and the cleanliness inside the buses. “These qualities are not seen in our countries of origin,” says Nicolás Jiménez, a Colombian resident in New Bedford.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
The buses being free for the public are amazing. It has certainly improved the quality of life for many and removed an unnecessary cost of living. I am without a vehicle, but have now removed the need to take a taxi or an Uber to work or to go grocery shopping…
While the buses are packed and it’s often difficult to find seating at peak hours…it’s tolerable. The only real problem that occurs with the bus is the amount of commotion at the terminal itself. The unhoused population of the area tend to flock to the terminal/city hall area. I’ve seen people robbed, assaulted, and threatened. A colleague of mine, a woman, was berated and grabbed at the terminal. There is a security detail on staff most times, but that hasn’t had a great impact. Early morning and through the evening, these individuals are relentless in their disturbance. When they board the buses, they’ll pester individuals for money or harass you. There is one particular man downtown who I’ve seen assault people multiple times and anytime he gets on the bus he harasses women and has tried to look up the skirt of young girls. He hasn’t been removed or barred from the bus in the entire time I’ve seen him, despite riders intimidating him into leaving. Bus drivers are pretty good at removing these types, but other drivers will tell you it isn’t their problem (they aren’t security, it really isn’t their problem so I am not mad at them) and to get off and take the next bus. I wish there something that could be done about this but then an entirely different issue arises.
they giving away Free Cars Too go get on of them y ride the bus?