The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) was established in 1978 with the provisions of Chapter 161B.  The FRTA currently serves 40 communities throughout Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester Counties.

Though not the biggest transit authority in Massachusetts, the FRTA covers the largest (1121.08 square miles) and the most rural geographical area in the State.

The FRTA is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and we are funded by Federal, Local and State governments. Additional sources of funding include farebox revenues, advertising revenues, ticket sales and various contracts for transportation services.

According to the statute, regional transit authorities cannot operate service directly, but instead must contract with private operators for the provision of service.  The FRTA contracts with Franklin Transit Management, Inc. for their fixed route and some demand response service.  Due to the rural area we serve, the FRTA also contracts with some of our Councils on Aging to provide additional demand response transportation.

The Authority is given general responsibilities to develop, finance and contract for the operation of transportation facilities and services within our transit area. The day-to-day affairs of the Authority are managed by the Administrator, appointed by the Advisory Board.