On Tuesday, April 12, Senator Markey joined a packed MVRTA bus to celebrate free fares, an initiative started in March and paid for with Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Riding from Target in Methuen to the Buckley Transportation Center in Lawrence, the Senator engaged with passengers about their experiences on the bus and in the Merrimack Valley. At one point he asked a couple of passengers how much had they spent per week on bus fares, and what did that mean to them?  The answer?  One relayed that he used to spend about $25 a week which now goes to buying things like groceries. They were on their way to work.

In a city that has the highest rates of low-income households in the Merrimack Valley and has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, providing free bus fares is a welcome relief to families that have had to further tighten their belts and struggle with skyrocketing home rental prices, increased food prices, and more.

The Senator brought an air of excitement to the bus ride. Passengers were cheered as they got on and off the bus. One passenger said that the 01 Bus, which runs between Lawrence and Haverhill, is often standing room only now that it is fare-free.

Senator Markey’s visit to the Merrimack Valley also included a stop at Haverhill High School to celebrate broadband access provided to the school through an $800,000 federal grant during COVID from a program the Senator initiated.

The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides local fixed-route bus service in the Merrimack Valley as well as ADA van service, a beach bus in the summer, commuter bus service to Boston, and employment service along the Route 28 corridor in Salem, New Hampshire. To learn more about where to catch the bus go to www.mvrta.com.

Thank you, Senator Markey, for your continued support of our communities. It makes an immediate difference in people’s lives.

Check out Senator Markey’s full vlog from the bus at Buses in the Merrimack Valley are FARE-FREE! Ed Markey Rides Free from Methuen to Lawrence  

MVPC provides planning and technical support to the MVRTA. For more on our partnership and transit planning activities, check out our Transportation program.