Category: Uncategorized

November 29th, 2023:
Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and Brockton Area Transit (BAT) Administrator Michael Lambert announced today that from December 1st, 2023 through May 31st, 2024 BAT’s bus and paratransit services would be free thanks to $1.4M from a grant program included in the state budget and allocated by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The program is designed to encourage new customers to “Try Transit” by offering no cost trips to shop or dine at local businesses, visit with friends and family, and commute to work during the six month period.
“We are extremely proud to partner with the Department of Transportation and BAT to provide six months of free service so that our City of Champions will be more accessible to all,” said Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. “This past year we enjoyed great success with free and reduced public transit, including discounted commuter rail fares for Brockton residents, free weekend bus service and discounts for the Cape Flyer to Cape Cod. Increasing public transit use is a top priority as we seek to reduce carbon emissions, improve accessibility, and make it more affordable for residents, businesses, workers and visitors to travel to and from Brockton.”
The “Try Transit” initiative will be supported by the state grant that was awarded to the Commonwealth’s
Regional Transit Authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and plan for implementation. In BAT’s service area, all fixed route and ADA paratransit services will be offered at no cost to customers. Exceptions include BAT’s microtransit service – Rockland Flex – and trips provided by local Councils on Aging. “This grant-funded program will help introduce Greater Brockton’s residents and visitors to our newly expanded weekend service, while offering our current customers some important financial relief,” said BAT Administrator Michael J. Lambert. “BAT offers sincere thanks to its state legislative delegation, our Board of Directors, and MassDOT for their consistent support of transit initiatives across our region.”
Although primarily designed to attract new customers by easing access to services, “Try Transit” will of course also offer a financial reprieve to current riders during these times of high inflation. It is expected that the savings and increased mobility offered by BAT’s services will translate into increased spending at local shops and restaurants.
“It’s wonderful to have this holiday gift in the form of free bus fare via Brockton Area Transit,” added Chris
Cooney, CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. “This service will help workers, employers, and
shoppers while they celebrate the holidays and beyond working and shopping throughout the region. Thank- you BAT for this important program.”
The ‘Try Transit’ initiative is expected to be particularly effective in downtown Brockton with its high
concentration of small businesses and transit amenities.
“With an influx of residents and new businesses in the downtown area and along Main Street, the ‘Try Transit’ initiative will be a great resource for our commercial centers, including Campello, Montello, and Westgate, as well as the rest of Brockton and the entire BAT service area,” concluded Mary Waldron, Executive Director of the Old Colony Planning Council.

Questions regarding the “Try Transit” program should be directed to Brockton Area Transit at 508.588.2240 or info@ridebat.com. Happy Holidays!

BROCKTON AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY – Today, Brockton Mayor Robert F.  Sullivan and Brockton Area Transit Authority Administrator Michael J. Lambert jointly announced the receipt of a $10.7 million dollar grant from the Biden-Harris Administration’s U.S. Department of Transportation. The funds, provided via the Federal Transit Administration’s highly competitive Low- and No-Emission Program, will provide BAT with seven new zero-emission battery electric buses, charging equipment, and funds to develop of a workforce training program to provide the new skills needed to support emerging technologies. By transitioning to zero emission vehicles, BAT will also advance the Commonwealth’s ambitious goal to significantly reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“BAT service is a key component of Brockton’s transit network, which includes connections to our three commuter rail stops,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Electrifying public buses will go a long way toward reducing the City’s carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses within the BAT service area. This is just the latest improvement to our public transit system as we seek to reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and make Brockton a cleaner, safer, and more convenient city for all. We thank our federal partners for their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the City of Champions.”

“On behalf of our employees, I offer sincere thanks to FTA and our federal delegation for supporting BAT’s conversion to a fully electric fleet. This award directly benefits our customers and host communities through quieter vehicles and cleaner air. We look forward to expanding the skills of our workforce to incorporate this cutting-edge technology into our continuously improving operations,” stated Administrator Lambert. “This advance will help strengthen our local economy while also furthering the cause of environmental justice for greater Brockton.”

“Today, we are creating new opportunities to dramatically improve the lives of millions of Americans who ride on buses every day,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in FTA’s press release. “Thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will help deliver a cleaner and more modern mode of transportation, designed to reach everyone, and to work for everyone, particularly in places that haven’t received enough resources in the past.”

“I’m proud that this $10.7 million federal investment will help ensure that the City of Champions has accessible, affordable, and efficient public transit primed for the 21st century,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “Transitioning to a more efficient bus fleet is a critical step toward achieving the emissions reductions we need to improve the quality of our air, reduce our carbon footprint, and transport us to a healthier, more livable future.”

“I am delighted that Brockton is receiving more than $10 million in federal funding to expand their electric bus fleet. Electric buses are an important investment in our communities and our workforce, and a powerful win for our planet. I’ll continue fighting for federal investments to electrify our transit systems for communities across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“I am very pleased to hear Brockton was awarded a $10.7 million federal grant to purchase and accommodate seven zero-emission electric buses,” said Representative Stephen F. Lynch. “This funding will help the City of Brockton continue their efforts to combat air pollution and subsequently decrease the variety of health disparities that is caused by poor air quality. These electric buses will have a tremendous impact on Brockton and the entire Commonwealth as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state. I give great credit to Mayor Bob Sullivan and BAT Administrator Michael Lambert for their hard work and dedication to obtain this critical funding for Brockton and all its residents.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided for $5.5 billion in funding for Low and No Emission vehicles, and I was proud to support this $10.7 million federal investment into the Brockton Area Transit Authority,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “BAT performs a vital role throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, and this federal grant will enable BAT to continue their core mission while using American-made busses that will result in a quieter ride for commuters and cleaner air for everyone who lives, works, or rides along a BAT route.”

 “We are grateful for the support from our federal partners at the FTA towards funding clean and low-emission buses for our regional transit authorities,” added MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. “This funding will allow our RTAs to make critical upgrades to facilities and fleet vehicles to better serve their communities’ transportation needs while working towards the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s climate goals.”

“On behalf of the Old Colony Planning Council and staff, we enthusiastically congratulate Brockton Area Transit for being awarded funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of electric buses.  The new buses will provide improved transit for members of the public with a sustainable, accessible, and reliable system.  Our region is fortunate to have BAT as a resource in providing access to jobs, healthcare, and education,” said Old Colony Planning Council Executive Director Mary Waldron.

The Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) provides over 1,500,000 trips annually and has been serving as the transit hub for the South Shore and Greater Brockton areas since 1974. BAT is committed to providing services that connect people to their destination in a responsive, respectful, friendly, safe, accessible, affordable, and dependable manner. BAT encourages riders to follow us on Twitter and Facebook @BrocktonBAT, or visit our website, www.ridebat.com to keep up to date on routes and information.

Additional information regarding FTA’s Low- and No-Emission Vehicle program, please visit: https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno.

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and Brockton Area Transit (BAT) Administrator Michael Lambert announced today that from November 25^th through December 31^st BAT’s bus and paratransit services would be free thanks, in part, to a grant included in the state budget and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The program is designed to encourage new customers to “Try Transit” by offering no cost trips to shop or dine at local businesses, visit with friends and family, and commute to work during the holiday season.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the Department of Transportation and BAT to provide free holiday service so that our City of Champions will be more accessible to all,” Mayor Robert F. Sullivan said. “We have had great success with free and reduced public transit, including discounted commuter rail fares for Brockton residents, free weekend bus service and discounts for the Cape Flyer to Cape Cod this summer. Increasing public transit use is a top priority as we seek to reduce carbon emissions, improve accessibility, and make it more affordable for residents, businesses, workers and visitors to travel to and from Brockton.”

The “Try Transit” initiative will be supported by the state grant that was awarded to all fifteen of the Commonwealth’s Regional Transit Authorities who worked together to submit a joint application and plan for implementation. In BAT’s service area, all fixed route and ADA paratransit services will be offered at no cost to customers. Exceptions include the planned Rockland microtransit service, Rockland Flex, and local Councils on Aging.

“Challenging times, whether due to increased costs or the pandemic, call for creative responses,” said BAT Administrator Michael Lambert. “BAT offers sincere thanks to its state legislative delegation and board of directors for their consistent support over the past three years. I am also personally grateful to my regional transit colleagues across the state for their partnership on this project.”

“MassDOT is pleased to have worked closely with the Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities to utilize the funding awarded in the FY23 state budget for the “Try Transit”program. This initiative is another example of the many efforts where MassDOT and the RTAs collaborate to improve mobility options for Massachusetts transit customers,” added MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger.

Although primarily designed to attract new customers by easing access to services, “Try Transit” will of course also offer a financial reprieve to current riders during these times of high inflation. It is expected that the savings and increased mobility offered by BAT’s services will translate into increased spending at local shops and restaurants.

“It’s wonderful to have this holiday season gift in the form of free bus fare via Brockton Area Transit,” added Chris Cooney, CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. “This service will help workers, employers, and shoppers while they celebrate the holidays working and shopping throughout the region. Thank you BAT for this important gift.”

The ‘Try Transit’ initiative is expected to be particularly effective in downtown Brockton with its high concentration of small businesses and transit amenities.

“With an influx of residents and new businesses in the downtown area and along Main Street, the ‘Try Transit’ initiative will be a great resource for our commercial centers, including Campello, Montello, and Westgate, as well as the rest of Brockton and the entire BAT service area. The Brockton Holiday Parade is on Saturday November 26^th and taking BAT would be an ideal way to travel to downtown for the celebration, pictures with Santa, food trucks, and of course, the parade itself,” concluded Mary Waldron, Executive Director of the Old Colony Planning Council.

Questions regarding the “Try Transit” program should be directed to Brockton Area Transit at 508.588.2240 or info@ridebat.com.  Happy Holidays!

BAT is updating its Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan and we need your input. Go to surveymonkey.com/r/BATsurvey2020 to tell us your thoughts and help shape the future of BAT. Please note, this survey closes on July 31, 2020.

Service is now extended to 9:00 PM for all city routes and frequencies have been increased:

• Brockton Weekday Schedule
• Brockton Saturday Schedule
• Brockton Sunday Schedule

Additional service and express runs have been added to Route 12 Ashmont:

• Weekday Ashmont Outbound Schedule – Toward Ashmont
• Weekday Ashmont Inbound Schedule – Toward Brockton

Stoughton routes will continue to run on a reduced schedule:

• Stoughton Weekday and Saturday Schedules

Routes 10/11 continue to run a combined route and Mini-Maller service has been suspended until further notice.

• BAT will be continues to offer rear door boarding whenever safe to do so. Customers that require the use of the ramp or “kneeling” feature of the bus may continue to board through the front door. Whenever possible, please continue to exit through the front of the bus.  Please allow all passengers to exit safely before boarding.  If exiting, through the rear door, please use extreme caution. Move away from the bus and allow it to clear the area before continuing on to your destination.
• Seating capacity will be reduced on most buses and customers are asked to maintain distance between them and others whenever possible. Additional buses will be on stand-by should buses begin to fill up.
• The BAT Centre is closed to customers. Customer service will be available via phone at 508-638-5920 and in-person at the BAT Administrative Offices, 155 Court Street.

Brockton Area Transit Authority has been closely monitoring the escalating Coronavirus situation. BAT has committed to dispersing information to the public that will help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19. Posters are displayed on all BAT vehicles and at all BAT facilities, including the BAT Centre. In addition, all vehicles are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly at least once a day. Ticket Vending Machines in the BAT Centre will be disinfected multiple times a day.

Brockton Area Transit continues to follow guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with BAT encouraging its riders and the public to:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if sick
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean areas that are frequently touched with sanitizing spray or wipes

MassDOT recently awarded Brockton Area Transit Authority a grant to launch a “pay by phone” mobile ticketing app.

Read more at https://www.enterprisenews.com/news/20200106/bat-bus-riders-can-pay-by-phone-starting-this-spring?fbclid=IwAR3q2zKsgVWWhutIh1woiwjviFRFQjDgrvvv-VXYkM0mcYCAxFsHQt0HBrs

Stop by Brockton Area Transit Authority on Friday, October 4th from 12:30 to 3:00 PM for hot dogs, entertainment and ice cream in appreciation of all our customers.