SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The PVTA said Friday that, at the direction of their advisory board, their free fare programing will continue until further notice.

The announcement comes after funding was included in the budget proposals from the House, Senate, and governor. However, until a final state budget is approved by the legislature and signed by the governor, PVTA cannot confirm the duration of fare free service.

State Representative Carlos Gonzalez said the free-fare program may not be going anywhere after all. He said that Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is looking at the wrong solution.

Sarno has been vocal about wanting the ‘Try Transit’ program shut down. He’s now pushing for a swipe-card system to track riders and weed out troublemakers and stated that these young people are abusing their privildges. “Out of control, out of control, complete disrespect. They know they face no consequences at all...We’re not going to stand for it anymore,” he said.

The ‘Try Transit’ program has offered free rides on PVTA fixed-route buses and vans since 2022 and thousands of people depend on it every day. Sarno said juveniles are using Union Station as a meet-up spot for trouble

Gonzalez said he agrees that the city must hold young people accountable for their actions, but ending free bus services will not solve the problem. “The issue here is that free busing has nothing to do with the disturbances that are having and if the city of Springfield needs more police officers, they need to request it from the city of Springfield,” he noted.

Last August, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office started deploying two deputies to the station on weekdays alongside officers, but budget cuts in April of this year limited that help.

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