RMV Announces Enhancements to Commercial, School Pupil Permit Exams

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced enhancements to its Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) General Knowledge Exam and its School Pupil Transport (7D) Learner's Permit Exam. The updates are designed to strengthen public awareness of human trafficking and expand language access for applicants across Massachusetts. 

"These enhancements reflect our continued commitment to both public safety and equitable access for Massachusetts' residents," said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. "By equipping commercial drivers with tools to identify human trafficking and expanding language access for school pupil transport applicants, we are ensuring that these drivers are better equipped to be both safe and responsible when on the road."  

New Human Trafficking Awareness Content for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) Applicants

The RMV has introduced a new public service announcement (PSA) at the start of the Commercial Learner's Permit General Knowledge Exam. The PSA is designed to help commercial drivers recognize and report signs of human trafficking, which is often hidden, affects and impacts individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities.  

Developed in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), the PSA provides guidance on:  

  • Indicators of potential trafficking 
  • Questions to ask when encountering suspicious situations 
  • How to safely report concerns 

This content is now available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility for commercial permit applicants. 

Expanded Language Access for School Pupil Transport (7D) Applicants

The RMV has also expanded the School Pupil Transport (7D) Learner's Permit Exam into Portuguese and Haitian Creole, which was previously only accessible in English and Spanish. These new translations will help ensure that more applicants responsible for transporting school-aged children can complete the exam in their primary language. 

In addition, the RMV is translating the 7D Driver's Manual into Portuguese and Haitian Creole. Once complete, these versions will be posted on the RMV website. 

For more information, visit Mass.Gov/RMV

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Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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