u/Nerdzey

I've created before and after maps and tables to help put into perspective the change that I'd like to push for! Any feedback is appreciated.

Just like the last post, these maps shows frequency, not the actual routes. I'm finishing up a map that shows how the routes themselves will change. I hope to post that soon.

For now, this shows how often buses will run both ways down certain roads. These "corridors" typically consist of one or more bus routes with schedules aligned to make improved frequency on the sections where they overlap.

Just like last time, the following colors represent frequency:

Red - 10 Minute Frequency
Orange - 15 Minute Frequency
Yellow - 20 Minute Frequency
Green - 30 Minute Frequency
Blue - 40 Minute Frequency
Purple - 60 Minute Frequency or More

Northampton to Easthampton is colored Blue because frequency varies between 30 and 60 minutes throughout the day with the R41 and G47 having different frequencies.

Current map of Northampton Area frequency on a full-service weekday.

End goal for the bus network.

Before and After info for each route.

Before and After info for each corridor.

Been working on my dream map for buses in Northampton.

One of the core capital projects in this system is a multi-modal transportation center, like in Pittsfield and Greenfield, located at the current Amtrak station. This acts as the hub for all Northampton area routes. Referred to as the Northampton Transit Center (NTC). Another need would be the expansion of the Northampton bus garage, this is already being discussed, but likely would not accommodate the scale of service increase reflected here.

The system shown could potentially be accomplished gradually over the next 20 years. The hope is that this starts a conversation that improves this map to a point that it can be advocated for.

5 High Frequency corridors are created by running several routes through them with staggered departures:

NTC to Leeds - 15 Minute Frequency
NTC to Hampshire Plaza - 15 Minute Frequency
NTC to Easthampton - 15 Minute Frequency
NTC to Holyoke - 15 Minute Frequency
NTC to Amherst - 10/15 Minute Frequency

This system involves 4 new routes:

NTC to Holyoke Transportation Center via Easthampton - 30 minute frequency
NTC to Leeds - 30 minute frequency
Florence to Easthampton - 40 minute frequency
NTC to Hampshire Plaza via King St. - 30 minute frequency

It involves several changes to existing routes:

39 E - Route terminates at NTC
R41 - Route terminates at NTC
R42 - No Leeds outbound or VA, this is taken over by Northampton to Leeds route. Frequency increased to every 30 minutes. Route terminates at NTC
B43 - Bus Rapid Transit and truncated route. Always takes 116 between UMass and no longer services the malls directly. When UMass isn't in session, services Amherst Center Directly. Full service 10 minute frequency instead of 20. Reduced service frequency is 15 minutes instead of 30-60. Route terminates at NTC
R44 - Split into two routes. Florence via Hampshire Plaza and Florence via Florence Heights. Via Hampshire Plaza increased to 20 minutes frequency, via Florence Heights increase to 40 minutes frequency. Route terminates at NTC
G47 - Frequency increased to every 60 minutes instead of every 70. Route Terminates at NTC
B48 - Frequency increased to every 15 minutes instead of every 30. Route Terminates at NTC

Routes still present but not included in this map:

Link 413 - 904
PVTA - 39
PVTA - G73E
FRTA - 31

Map Legend:

Red - 10 Minute Frequency
Orange - 15 Minute Frequency
Yellow - 20 Minute Frequency
Green - 30 Minute Frequency
Blue - 40 Minute Frequency
Purple - 60 Minute Frequency or More

Northampton Area

Easthampton / Holyoke Area

Hello and welcome to the Northampton Rapid Transit Advocacy subreddit!

This is an attempt at generating conversation and ideas regarding improved public transit in Northampton, MA.

The goal is to make real change through 10-15 minute frequency on core routes, transit signal priority or preemption, bus lanes, and improved route coverage.

Keep it clean and civil. Let's work towards a better, more sustainable future for our city!