Author: Alisa Costa

In a series of three community meetings, Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), presented information related to data collected in the development of a regional employment-based transportation pilot. BRTA provides public transportation services to its 25 member communities within Berkshire County.

Working Cities Pittsfield members attended the presentation where data was presented regarding personal vehicle usage, employment centers, and basic solution concepts. BRTA is requesting feedback related to the information presented. Working Cities Pittsfield is dedicated to working with BRTA to support research to identify needs and opportunities to address transportation issues in the region.

To learn more, or if you would like to be part of this conversation, please contact Alisa Costa.

Did you miss the last Working Cities Wednesday? No problem. Here are some actions you can join in our community. Connect with the lead and get involved today.

Safety & Lighting: encourage more reporting
Barbara Bizzi, (413)442-0649 [email protected]

Discussion:
Traffic safety concerns, street lights that are out or flickering, cross walk repainting

Things to do before next meeting:
Recruit more people, raise awareness

Resources needed:
Someone with knowledge of bike safety, someone with knowledge about cross walk standards

Community Navigators
Carolyn Valli, (413)442-3181 [email protected]

Discussion:
Community Navigators would act as engaged residents connecting neighbors and other interested residents to resources with a personal touch. What would outreach look like?

Things to do before next meeting:
Schedule a meeting with a focus group

Resources needed:
Interested residents to participate in a focus group

Youth Center in the community
Ellen Mary Dagostino, (413) 243-1217

Discussion:
How to bring community together to envision goals.

Things to do before next meeting:
Attend city council meetings, coordinate networking

Resources needed:
Knowledge of grant opportunities or seed money opportunities

Wassaic train – bus shuttle
Chip Elitzer, (413)528-4693, [email protected]

Discussion: Meet all Wassaic-NYC trains with BRTA buses running from North Adams to Great Barrington and then express to Wassaic. Frequent, reliable, inexpensive early and late service. Most riders will be inside the Berkshires and it will expand available employment radius.

Things to do before next meeting: Talk with city counselors and state reps. Poll possible riders.

Resources needed: more word of mouth and political action

Morningside/Allendale greenway to the rail trail
Nicholas Russo, (413) 841-8425, [email protected]

Summary of Discussion: Route from downtown to rail trail access. How to find funding mechanisms. How to gather together interested riders?

Things to do before next meeting: Have a neighborhood bike ride. Begin greater outreach to neighbors. Education on bike safety to raise awareness?

Resources needed: Contacts within PCTV, Berkshire Cycling Association, bike shops. Greater knowledge of funding opportunities.