• New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Final Report

  The New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation is a comprehensive operational analysis (COA) of the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA)’s New Bedford bus network. SRTA operates eleven fixed routes that originate from downtown New Bedford, MA, in addition to three school routes. This study is the first time since 2014 that SRTA is completing a comprehensive evaluation of the entire New Bedford network. The purpose of this study is to make recommendations to match SRTA’s New Bedford fixed-route service with the changing demand for transit, by adjusting routes and schedules to better meet the needs of bus riders.

  In addition, state and local funding sources that provide a large portion of the fixed-route operating budget are not keeping pace with the rising costs of providing service. Budget projections for the coming years suggest fixed-route service will need to be reduced to match available funding. Reducing service is not SRTA’s preferred approach to balancing the budget, as it can have profound effects on the lives of the people that rely on the transit system.
  

  The objective of this comprehensive operational analysis is to develop service scenarios for New Bedford that can be implemented under a reduced-operating funds scenario that limit the extent of service cuts and do the least harm to the communities served by transit. The final sections of this report also explore the level of transit service needed to fully meet the needs of New Bedford residents, which would require additional funding above what is provided today.

  New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Final ReportDownload

Project Documents and Information

• New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Project DescriptionJanuary 10, 2023
  The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) operates twelve routes that originate from the downtown New Bedford terminal. Route alignments and service levels have not kept pace with changing demands resulting from population growth and shifts in housing trends. In addition to changing demand for transit in New Bedford, state and local funding sources that provide …
• New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Public Engagement Round 1January 11, 2023
  We are seeking your input and want to talk about ways the New Bedford bus network may change in the future. We will be at several locations to give you plenty of opportunities to give us your thoughts. Tuesday, January 24 New Bedford Terminal8 AM – 10 AM New Bedford Market Basket10:30 AM – 11:30 …
• New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Public Engagement Round 2March 23, 2023
  Project Overview SRTA is evaluating its New Bedford bus route network to better meet the needs of bus riders, looking at current conditions, trends, and system usage. ​  In addition to better meeting customer needs, another goal of the service evaluation is to develop service and schedule options that can be implemented under a reduced-operating …
• New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation – Final ReportJuly 17, 2023
  The New Bedford Bus Service Evaluation is a comprehensive operational analysis (COA) of the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA)’s New Bedford bus network. SRTA operates eleven fixed routes that originate from downtown New Bedford, MA, in addition to three school routes. This study is the first time since 2014 that SRTA is completing a comprehensive …