Just a Reminder -We’re Still Rolling!

On a rainy Friday morning, September 28, 2018, a dedicated group of WAVE fans gathered at the Greenhound Building on Washington Street to cheer as the first bus broke through a banner announcing the beginning of winter service. In addition to being treatedto refreshments and WAVE promotional items, attendees also had an opportunity to guess the number of drivers that have worked for the NRTA, and the total number of people that have ridden the WAVE since 1995.The winner of the driver contest was John McCarthy with a guess of 380; the actual number was 498.The winner of the passenger contest was Denna Charnes with a guess of 2,639,000; the actual number of passengers (as of September 27, 2018) was 6,219,753.

The event also included remarks by Thomas D. Schiavone, Deputy Administrator of Transit, MASSDOT Transit and Wendy Schmidt, President, The Schmidt Family Foundation and founder of ReMain Nantucket, LLC.Both recognized the progress that the NRTA has made over the past 23 years and praised the leadership demonstrated to make the year round service possible.Since beginning service in 1995, the NRTA buses have stopped operating after the end of the “summer” season; in recent years that has been after Columbus Day.But, for the first time in Island historyresidents will officially have public transportation all winter with easier access to work, shopping, recreation and holiday activities.The Miacomet Loop, Mid Island Loop and Sconset via Old South Road buses will continue to operate weekdays from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. throughout the winter.

NRTA Transit Administrator, Paula Leary would like to remind residents that the Greenhound Building will remain open throughout October from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.Hours for the rest of the winter will be announced at a later date.She also stated, “We are pleased to have partnered once again with ReMain Nantucket, LLC to also provide other amenities that will make riding the buses in the winter more comfortable.”A new porch has been added to the Greenhound Building on Washington Street, two new shelters will be constructed at the Landmark House stop on Orange Street and at the Dave Street stop on Pleasant Street to complement the existing shelters located at the TomNevers and The Muse bus stops.The shelters will be equipped with solar panels to provide light during the early winter evenings when the buses will still be operating.

Residents who wish to purchase passes may do so at the following reduced prices at the NRTA office at 20R South Water Street. Passes are valid until December 31, 2018.2019 passes will be available for purchase in December 2018.