SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The PVTA fare-free rides are back for another year, once again receiving funding from the recently passed $64 billion state budget. Western Mass News was live at Union Station with riders’ reactions and latest from police on how crime at the station is being handled.

Riders are happy that the free-fare program will continue, but law enforcement is still working to make Union Station safer. If you rely on free buses, especially at Union Station, they aren’t going anywhere.

$40 million in funding from the recently approved state budget is going to the 15 regional transit authorities, including PVTA, who told us they don’t know how much they have been allocated just yet.

This comes after back in June, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno pointed to the fare-free buses causing issues for public safety, especially from large groups of juveniles who’d meet after school. Police said calls are slightly down compared to the school year, “our officers are busy down there, but calls are down just about 10% in the last three weeks since school let out,” Springfield Police Department Ryan Walsh said.

The state initially launched the “Try Transit” program in November of 2024 as a way of increasing access to those in need of transportation. According to PVTA’s annual report, ridership jumped by 21% across the Pioneer Valley in the first year —that’s about 1.5 million riders.

Everyday riders said that the free buses get where they need to go without having to think about the price, The free fare is awesome. You know, I go to doctor’s appointments, all different types of stuff. Go to see friends, family, all that. And, you know, the free bus has been great,” said Springfield resident Brian Sullivan.

Gloria Torres, who’s been riding PVTA for 20 years, and says no fare is a big help, “Oh, I love it. I was happy because I was having difficulties. And the bus is one way to relieve some of the difficulties I’m having.

Police still maintain visible presence so that riders like Torres feel safe, “our officers are having increased enforcement and our officers have increased the presence down there so hopefully that helps curve this issue in a long-term,” Walsh also said law enforcement is preparing for the possible meet-ups again when school starts in the fall.

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