PVTA Starts New Service to Worcester

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has started new bus service between Amherst and Worcester in Massachusetts.

The service departs from UMass Amherst and operates Thursday through Monday.

The one-way trip takes an hour and forty five minutes and allows riders to connect with commuter rail in Worcester, which goes to Boston's South Station.

Rides are free through September 30.

PVTA spokesperson Brandy Pelletier says the service's future will depend on how much it's used.

"Right now, it's a pilot," she said. "We got a grant. It all depends on how ridership is, if this is something that we're going to be able to continue and if funding is going to be available."

Starting October 1, the one-way fare betwen Amherst and Worcester will be $9.00. The bus makes stops in seven towns in between.