BRTA Fare Free Fixed Route and ADA Service

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) will continue to be fare free for Fixed Route Bus Services and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services.
 
Fare free transit service is made possible through funding awarded in the Governor's FY 26 Budget.
 
The impact of 8 months of fixed route fare free service in FY 25 increased ridership by 13.76 percent. FY 25 had 613,408 customers compared to FY 24 of 539,225, an increase of 74,183 rides. 
 
ADA Complementary ridership increased by 17.6 percent during this same time frame. FY 25 there was 31,631 customers compared to FY 24 of 26,897, an increase of 4,734 rides. Fare free service will continue through June 30, 2026.
 
If changes in funding availability occur, this date may have to change. This would be posted on buses, at the bus station, and on the website.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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