About the Nantucket Regional Tranist Authority

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) was created by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 161B in 1993, although operations did not begin until 1995.  The NRTA is a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The affairs of the Authority are handled by the Administrator appointed by the Advisory Board.  The Administrator of the NRTA is Gary Roberts.

The NRTA began providing seasonal fixed route service in 1995 and year round demand response service in 2001. Year round service began in the spring of 2018. Currently the NRTA owns 19 fixed route and four demand response vehicles.

Per statute, the NRTA contracts with a private contractor, VTS of MA, Inc. for the operations and management of its fixed route and demand response public transit services. 

Fixed Route Year Round Service: The NRTA provides year round service (after Columbus Day through mid-May) on the following routes: Mid Island LoopMiacomet Loop and Sconset via Old South Road Route primarily servicing the Old South Road Nobadeer Farm Road corridor with several trips to Sconset. 

Fixed Route Summer Service: The NRTA provides island wide service connecting MadaketSiasconset (Sconset), the Mid-Island areaNantucket Memorial AirportSurfside and Jetties Beaches and points in between to and from downtown Nantucket.

Complementary Paratransit Service:  All vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts.  Rides on the ADA complementary paratransit service can be scheduled the day before the trip or up to 14 days in advance. 

Demand Response Service: Your Island Ride van service is provides ADA and Non-ADA service to elders 60 years of age and older and persons with disabilities.  Service is provided Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Funding sources for the NRTA include local assessment, state contract assistance and federal operating assistance.  Capital funding is provided through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation through its RTACap Program, from time to time capital funds from Federal Programs are available to the NRTA.  Additional sources of funding include, transportation revenues (fares, pass sales and brokerage services), and advertising.

The NRTA and VTS of MA, Inc. are proud to service the community of Nantucket.