NRTA Wave Buses Will Remain Free To Ride Through 2025

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority's (NRTA) Wave buses will remain free to ride for all of 2025 thanks to a new round of funding from the state.

The NRTA implemented a pilot "fare-free" program earlier this year with state funding that resulted in a huge spike in ridership. While that program was set to expire in September, it was extended through the end of 2024.

On Thursday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy announced $30 million in funding for the state's 13 regional transit authorities to initiate or continue fare-free services on public transportation. The NRTA will receive $484,507 , allowing its Wave buses to continue operating at no charge.

Gary Roberts, the NRTA's administrator, said the fare-free program had already increased ridership on the Wave buses by 70 percent since April 1. That translates to an additional 150,000 rides above the previous year. The new grant will help the NRTA sustain that surge in ridership.

"It's been a double win," Roberts said, referring to the enhanced usage and reduced traffic in the downtown area. "It's been well-received and well-used. We provided a lot of transportation to the workers, but the numbers are up in the offseason, too.

"We were one of 13 RTAs (regional transit authorities) that did put in an application and received the funding, and it will allow us to continue fare-free for the foreseeable future," he added. "We're happy that we were able to foresee the grant and continue all the good it's done for us." 

Last Thursday in Greenfield in Western Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey, along with MassDOT Undersecretary Hayes Morrison, Greenfield, MA Mayor Ginny Desorgher, and other elected representatives, announced the $30 million in grants at John W. Olver Transit Center, which is the headquarters of the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA).

“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," Healey said. "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. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and the entire Legislature to make regional transportation more affordable and accessible across our state.”

The NRTA began operating in 1995 and is managed by the administrator, Roberts, and an advisory board (the Nantucket Select Board). Year-round service began in the spring of 2018.

The transit authority currently owns 19 fixed-route and four demand-response vehicles and recently acquired five e-JEST electric buses that went into service over the summer. The NRTA contracts with a private company, VTS of MA, Inc., to operate its buses and hire its drivers.

The NRTA is funded through a combination of state, local, and federal sources, along with its fare revenue and passes.