METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

PVTA considering eliminating some 'Five College' bus runs

Routes being considered for elimination include linking Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Smith; and an express run between Smith and UMass. Together they account for some 85,000 riders each year.

July 17, 2017
PVTA considering eliminating some 'Five College' bus runs

The Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority faces a deficit of $1.7 million for the coming year.

2 min to read


The Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority faces a deficit of $1.7 million for the coming year.

Springfield, Mass.-based Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority (PVTA) has announced that it is considering eliminating service on nearly two dozen routes, including some of the ones serving a local consortium of college campuses, according to a press statement.

The PVTA Advisory Board is holding hearings and taking public comments in late June and early July. They are to make a decision on July 19, with changes to take effect at the end of August, 2017.

Ad Loading...

The consortium, "Five Colleges," is comprised of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Routes being considered for elimination include linking Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Smith; and an express run between Smith and UMass. Together they account for some 85,000 riders each year.

Five Colleges has partnered with PVTA and area towns since 1979 to subsidize these and other public transportation routes connecting the campuses. The campuses together pay more than $600,000 annually in support of Five College bus runs, which serve students, employees and community members, reducing pollution, the use of private vehicles and parking congestion.

Several other PVTA routes used by students are being considered for reduction or elimination as well.

The campuses and consortium are developing a number of approaches for arguing against route reductions, particularly against abrupt changes made after students have registered for fall classes on campuses that they will need to travel to. So far, Five College Executive Director Neal Abraham has met with the PVTA Administrator and testified at a public hearing in Amherst.

Ad Loading...

According to the Greenfield Recorder, the PVTA, said the recently passed state budget allocates it less money than it anticipated, and it now faces a deficit of $1.7 million for the coming year. For additional reporting, click here.

More Bus

Community Transit's Bluebell bus celebrating the agency's 50-year milestone.
Busby StaffMay 15, 2026

Washington's Community Transit Celebrates 50-Year Milestone

The milestone highlights both the agency’s history and its evolving role in meeting the region’s growing mobility needs.

Read More →
The groundbreaking event for St. Cloud, Minnesota's Metro Bus facility.
Busby StaffMay 13, 2026

Minnesota's Metro Bus Breaks Ground on New Transit Facility

The new facility will augment the current Metro Bus Transit Center and overall system as part of new routes and service improvements known as Metro Bus Forward.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Maintenance officials examining a vehicle on a lift.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 8, 2026

Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A

John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.

Read More →
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
Rendering of the upgraded Derby-Shelton Train Station
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

CTDOT Launches Four-Station Upgrades on Waterbury Line

Construction on all four stations is beginning now and is anticipated to be completed by spring 2028.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
East Colfax BRT
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

Denver RTD breaks ground on Aurora segment of East Colfax BRT

The beginning of the final BRT segment advances construction across all five segments, reflecting steady progress toward shorter travel times, improved accessibility, and a more dependable connection to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.

Read More →