Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority
| Company type | Public transit authority |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Reading , United States |
Area served | Reading, Pennsylvania and Berks County, Pennsylvania |
Key people | David W. Kilmer (Executive Director and CEO) |
| Products | Bus transit services |
| Parent | South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) |
Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA), previously known as the Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority, provides public transit services within Reading, Pennsylvania and Berks County, Pennsylvania. It operates under the oversight of the South Central Transit Authority (SCTA), which also manages the Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA). As of , BARTA recorded an annual ridership of and a daily average ridership of .
History
BARTA was created in 1973 through a partnership between Berks County and the City of Reading aimed at acquiring the failing Reading Bus Company, with service commencing on October 8, 1973. In 1978, the agency introduced its Special Services paratransit program by merging transportation efforts from 33 social service organizations. By 1992, BARTA distinguished itself as the first small transit agency in the United States to operate buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). A Federal Transit Administration grant awarded in 1993 facilitated the reopening of Penn Street in downtown Reading to vehicular traffic, along with the installation of bus shelters and designated bus stops.
The establishment of the BARTA Transportation Center in 2002 at 7th and Cherry streets created a centralized transit hub. In 2005, BARTA unveiled a refreshed logo and bus design, launched the Park-N-Transit garage offering 350 parking spaces at 7th and Franklin streets, and began investing in electric-diesel hybrid buses. The transition to a county authority in 2010 emphasized its expanded regional mission beyond just the city of Reading. Additionally, the renovated former Reading Railroad Franklin Street Station resumed operations as a bus terminal in September 2013.
In September 2013, BARTA briefly extended its route to Lebanon to connect riders with Lebanon Transit services to Harrisburg after Bieber Tourways ceased coach operations. However, this service was discontinued in January 2014 due to insufficient ridership.
Dennis D. Louwerse led BARTA as executive director and CEO from 1983 until his passing in September 2013. His successor was David W. Kilmer. On December 1, 2014, the South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) was established to oversee both BARTA and RRTA operations.
Timeline
- October 8, 1973: Formation of Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority following acquisition of the failing Reading Bus Company by Berks County and City of Reading.
- 1978: Launch of BARTA Special Services to unify transportation for 33 social service agencies across Berks County.
- May 1983: Dennis D. Louwerse appointed executive director amid financial instability; successfully stabilized agency operations.
- 1992: First small-scale U.S. transit authority to introduce CNG-fueled buses.
- 1993: Received FTA funding to renovate Penn Square pedestrian mall, adding eight strategically located bus shelters.
- March 4, 2002: Opening of BARTA Transportation Center near Franklin Street Station featuring customer amenities and driver facilities.
- 2005: Ceased procurement of CNG buses due to cost concerns; existing CNG vehicles sold to EMTA and IndiGo transit agencies.
- August 27, 2005: Inauguration of a new Park-n-Transit facility with capacity for 350 vehicles; agency rebranded with updated colors and logo; new routes introduced alongside investments in electric-diesel hybrid buses.
- 2009: Fleet modernization with acquisition of five Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) buses.
- July 2010: Conversion to county authority status; renamed Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority.
- 2013: Completion of restoration work on former Franklin Street Station for use as a bus terminal.
- September 5, 2013: Passing of Executive Director Dennis D. Louwerse; David W. Kilmer appointed successor.
- September 9, 2013: Trial launch of service connecting to Harrisburg via Lebanon Transit.
- 2014: Financial difficulties prompted partnership with Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) for operational support.
- January 31, 2014: Termination of Harrisburg trial route due to low passenger numbers.
- December 4, 2014: Integration of BARTA and RRTA under newly formed South Central Transit Authority (SCTA), established by Berks and Lancaster Counties.
Current Routes
BARTA primarily runs its routes using a hub and spoke framework, with all transfers concentrated at the BARTA Transportation Center.
Effective January 9, 2023
| Route | Line Name | Endpoints | Areas Covered | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
Temple via Fifth Street | BARTA Transportation Center | Walmart at North Reading Plaza | 5th Street, Fairgrounds Square Mall, Penn Plaza, Plaza 222, Muhlenberg Shopping Center, Target, Temple | Service available Monday through Sunday |
2
|
Fairgrounds Square Market | BARTA Transportation Center | Fairgrounds Square Market | 9th/10th Streets, Exeter Street, 11th Street, Rockland Street, Kutztown Road, Madison Avenue, 5th Street Highway, Fairgrounds Square Mall | Operates Friday and Saturday only |
3
|
Temple via Kutztown Road | BARTA Transportation Center | Walmart at North Reading Plaza | 8th/9th Streets, Kutztown Road, Temple | Runs Monday through Saturday |
4
|
10th/11th Streets | BARTA Transportation Center | 10th and Exeter streets | Penn Street, 11th Street, Rockland Plaza, 10th Street | Daily service including weekends |
5
|
Albright College | BARTA Transportation Center | Reservoir Road and Hampden Boulevard | 12th/13th Streets, Reading Senior High School, Weis Market, Albright College, Hampden Boulevard | Available Monday through Saturday |
7
|
Pennside | BARTA Transportation Center | Stony Creek Towne Houses | Penn Street, Perkiomen Avenue, 23rd Street, Carsonia Avenue, Hollywood Court Apartments, Pennside, Butter Lane | Service runs Monday to Saturday |
8
|
Reiffton/Shelbourne Square/Birdsboro | BARTA Transportation Center | Walmart at Exeter Square or Birdsboro | Penn Street, Perkiomen Avenue, Reiffton, Boscov's at Reading Mall, Exeter Commons, U.S. Route 422, Redner's at Shelbourne Square Park and Ride, Walmart at Exeter Square, Lincoln Road | Operates daily with limited Birdsboro weekday trips |
9
|
Grill via Kenhorst | BARTA Transportation Center | Redner's at Kenhorst Plaza | 4th Street, South Reading, KVP Factory, Alvernia University, Sencit Towne House Apartments, Kenhorst, Grill | Monday-Saturday schedule |
10</ div >
|
Brookline | BARTA Transportation Center | East Wyomissing Boulevard and Margaret Street | 4th/6th Streets , South Reading , Lancaster Avenue , Brookline Plaza , Hancock Boulevard | Available daily including weekends |
| < div id = 11 >11 </ div > | Mohnton via Shillington | BARTA Transportation Center | Main and Church streets (Mohnton) | 4th Street , South Reading , Lancaster Avenue , Shillington Shopping Center , Shillington , Ollie's Bargain Outlet/Fulton Bank , Wyomissing Avenue | Monday through Saturday service |
| < div id = 12 >12 </ div > | Lincoln Park via Reading Hospital | BARTA Transportation Center | Berkshire Hills | Penn Street , Penn Avenue , West Reading , Reading Hospital , Reading Boulevard , The Highlands at Wyomissing , Lincoln Plaza Shopping Center , Spring Towne Center | Service runs Monday to Saturday |
| < div id =14 >14 </ div > | Wernersville via Sinking Spring | BARTA Transportation Center | Wernersville State Hospital or McDonald's Park and Ride in Womelsdorf | Penn Street , Penn Avenue , West Reading , Sinking Spring , Redner's at Sinking Spring Plaza , U.S. Route 422 , Phoebe Berks Village , Wernersville | Monday-Saturday with limited Womelsdorf trips |
| < div id =15 >15 </ div > | Berkshire Mall | BARTA Transportation Center | Walmart at Berkshire Square or Giant on State Hill Road | Penn Street , Penn Avenue , West Reading , State Hill Road , Berkshire Mall , Walmart at Berkshire Square | Runs daily; most Sunday trips terminate at Walmart Berkshire Square |
| < div id =16 >16 </ div > | Broadcasting Square | BARTA Transportation Center | Target at Broadcasting Square | Penn Street , Penn Avenue , West Reading , Park Road , Penn State Berks | Monday through Sunday service |
| < div id =17 >17 </ div > | Glenside/Airport/Berks Heim | BARTA Transportation Center | Penn State Health St. Joseph or Berks Heim | Schuylkill Avenue , Bernville Road , Reading Regional Airport , MacArthur Road | Operates Monday-Saturday; limited trips to Berks Heim |
| < div id =18 >18 </ div > | Schuylkill Avenue | BARTA Transportation Center | Windsor Street and Schuylkill Avenue or Penn State Health St. Joseph | Downtown Reading , Penn Street , Front Street , Windsor Street , Schuylkill Avenue | Daily service; reduced evening trips to St. Joseph |
| < div id =19 >19 </ div > | Riverside/FirstEnergy Stadium/Cotton Street | 19th and Cotton streets | FirstEnergy Stadium Park and Ride | Cotton Street/Perkiomen Avenue , Downtown Reading , BARTA Transportation Center , 6th/8th Streets , PriceRite , Spring Street , Riverside School , Centre Avenue | Runs Monday-Sunday; no Sunday service between BARTA center and stadium |
| < div id =20 >20 </ div > | Route 61/Hamburg | BARTA Transportation Center | Cabela's | Centre Avenue , Pennsylvania Route 61 , Redner's Leesport Park and Ride , Leesport , Shoemakersville , Redner's Hamburg Park and Ride , Hamburg | Service available Monday through Saturday |
| < div id =22 >22 </ div > | Lyon Station/East Penn-Deka | BARTA Transportation Center | East Penn Manufacturing Company-Deka in Lyons | 8th/9th Streets , Kutztown Road , U.S. Route 222 Business , Park Road , Blandon , Fleetwood , Fleetwood-Lyons Road | Operates weekdays only (Monday-Friday) |
1984 Routes (1984-???)
- Route 2: Schuylkill Avenue
- Route 2A: Ninth Street
- Route 3: Mohnton
- Route 3A: Kutztown Road / Laureldale
- Route 4: Hampden Boulevard
- Route 4A: Berkshire Heights
- Route 6: Lincoln Park / Reading Hospital
- Route 7: Glenside - Airport / Kenhorst-Grill
- Route 8: Reiffton
- Route 9: Brookline
- Route 10: Jacksonwald
- Route 12: Sinking Spring / Wernersville
- Route 14: West Lawn / Berkshire Mall
- Route 16: Stony Creek
- Route 18: Pennside - Butter Lane / Hollywood Court
- Route 20: Cotton Street / Riverside / Riverview Park
- Route 22: Eleventh Street / Albright College
- Route 24: Birdsboro
- Route 27: Green Hills
- Route 28: Spring Township
- Route 30: Fairgrounds Square via Madeira Plaza - Fairgrounds Market
- Express lines serving Giorgio Foods, Berks Heim, and Western Electric
2004 Routes (Nov 30, 2004 - Aug 27, 2005)
- Routes 1N/S covering Temple/Kutztown Road/Laureldale and Shillington/Mohnton areas
- Routes 2E/W operating on Ninth Street and Schuylkill Avenue corridors
- Various routes including 4E/W, 6W, 7N/S, and 8E serving Hampden Boulevard, Berkshire Heights, Lincoln Park, Reading Mall, and airport zones
- Additional service offerings featured Spring Ridge Loop/Target, Berks Heim Express #3, Niteline, Park-N-Ride shuttles to First Energy Stadium, Shelbourne Square, Womelsdorf, and weekday Morgantown service
2005 Routes (Aug 27, 2005 - Present)
- Primary routes consist of:
- Route 1: Temple via Fifth Street
- Route 2: Fairgrounds Square Market
- Route 3: Temple via Kutztown Road
- Route 4: Tenth/Eleventh Streets corridor
- Route 5: Albright College area
- Route 7: Pennside neighborhood
- Route 9: Grill via Kenhorst route
- Route10: Brookline area service
- Route11: Mohnton via Shillington route
- Route12: Lincoln Park through Reading Hospital corridor
- Route14: Wernersville/Sinking Spring/Womelsdorf coverage
- Route15: Berkshire Mall access
- Route17: Glenside/Airport/Berks Heim connections
- Route18: Schuylkill Avenue line
- Route19: Riverside/FirstEnergy Stadium/Cotton Street route
- Route20: Hamburg/Route61 service
- Routes that have been discontinued or altered include:
- Route6 (2005–2015): Spring Street/Berkshire Heights Crosstown route
- Route8 (2005–2012): Reiffton/Shelbourne Square; extended to Birdsboro after 2012
- Route13 (2005–2007): Spring Township service
- Route16 (2005–2017): Broadcasting Square/Berkshire Mall; limited to Broadcasting Square since August 2017
- Route21 (2005–2017): Morgantown Express line
- Route22 (from February 2007): Lyon Station/East Penn-Deka route
- Route23 (2013–2014): Lebanon service
These changes illustrate a deliberate approach to enhance network efficiency and better align with passenger demand across major service areas.
Fares
| Fare/Pass | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Cash Fare | $1.80 |
| Student Cash Fare | $1.00 |
| Transfers | Free of Charge |
| Disabled Fare | $0.90 |
| Children aged 5 and under ride at... | No Cost |
| All Day Anywhere Pass | All Day Pass - $3.70 |
| All Day Pass - $4.00 | |
| 10 Ride Pass | Adult Anywhere - $13.50 |
| Student Anywhere - $9.00 | |
| Half-Fare 10 Ride Pass | $6.75 |
| 31 Day Pass | Adult Anywhere - $45.00 |
| Student Anywhere - $20.00 |
BARTA Transportation Center
Situated at the intersection of 7th and Cherry streets in Downtown Reading, the BARTA Transportation Center serves as the hub for all bus routes. Amenities include an indoor waiting area, restroom facilities, a customer service office, a break room for drivers, a community police station, and a parking garage with capacity for 101 vehicles. The center accommodates ten bus bays equipped with PA announcements and electronic information boards.
Franklin Street Station
Originally the Reading Railroad Franklin Street Station, this facility was converted into a bus terminal in 2013. It offers a waiting lounge for passengers, customer service support, a transportation museum, and designated areas planned for future express and intercity bus services.
Park and Ride Locations
BARTA manages five park and ride sites throughout Berks County:
- FirstEnergy Stadium (Route 19)
- Redner's Hamburg location (Route 20)
- Redner's Leesport location (Route 20)
- Shelbourne Square in Exeter Township (Route 8)
- Womelsdorf (Route 14)
BARTA's Fleet
The BARTA fleet consists of 50 buses, predominantly hybrid electric models such as the Gillig BRT and Gillig Low Floor Plus hybrids. Earlier vehicles were powered by Detroit Diesel engines until their discontinuation in 2004; later acquisitions incorporated Cummins ISL engines. Buses retired by 2010 featured Allison transmissions, whereas current hybrids utilize Allison EP-40 or BAE Systems HybriDrive Series-E transmissions. Bendix air brakes are standard across the entire fleet. Due to decreased ridership amid the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer buses are currently active in daily service.
Current Fleet
| Fleet Number(s) | Year Manufactured | Manufacturer | Model Designation | Engine Type | Transmission Model | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1542-1544 | 2015 | Gillig | BRT HEV 40' | Cummins ISB6.7 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |
| 1605–1608 | 2016 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | ||||
| 1801–1805 | 2017 | BRT HEV 35' | Cummins B6.7 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | ||
| 1806–1807 | 2018 | BRT HEV 40' | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |||
| 1808–1812 | 2018 | BRT HEV 35' | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |||
| 1901–1905 | 2019 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | ||||
| 1912–1918 | 2019 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | ||||
| 2001–2002 | 2020 | BRT HEV 40' | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |||
| 2003–2006 | 2020 | BRT HEV 35' | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |||
| 2104-2107 | 2021 | Low Floor Plus HEV 35' | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | |||
| 2201-2205 | 2022 | Low Floor Plus HEV 40' | Cummins L9 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system | ||
| 2301-2304 | 2023 | BAE HybriDrive Series-E hybrid system |
Decommissioned Fleet
| Fleet Number(s) | Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 901-944 | 1975 | GM | T6H-4523A | Detroit Diesel 6V71N | Allison | |
| 960-963 | 1981 | Flxible | 40096-6 | Detroit Diesel 6V71T | Allison V730 | |
| 964-968 | 1983 | Neoplan | AN-440A | Detroit Diesel 6V92TA | Allison HT-747 | |
| 969 | 1981 | AN-460A
(prototype) |
Detroit Diesel 8V92TA 381 hp |
Allison HT-740D | | ||
| 1952 (trolley replica) | 1989 |Spartan |— |— |— | | |||||
| 8901-8915, 9001-9016, 9101-9113
(mostly Orion and Gillig) |
1990–1991
Various models |Detroit Diesel 6V92TA or Cummins L10G |Allison HTB-748 or B400R | Phased out gradually between 2016 and 2017. | |||||
| 9201, 9301 (trolley replicas), 9401-9606 (various) | 1992–1996
Orion, Chance, New Flyer, TMC |Diesel and CNG engines |Allison transmissions | Certain units reassigned to other transit agencies. | |||||
| "9801-084", "0301-0323", "0401-0432", "0533-0995"
(various Gillig, Optima, New Flyer) |
1998–2010
Various models |Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines |Allison transmissions | Included hybrid and CNG variants; retired or reallocated by early 2020s. |
Active Fleet
| Fleet Number(s) | Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2031 | 2021 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix | |||
| 2032-2040 | 2020 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix |
| ||
| 2120-2124 | 2021 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix |
| ||
| 2125-2127 | 2022 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix | |||
| 2314-2320 | 2023 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix | |||
| 2403-2414 | 2024 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix | |||
| 2430-2440 | 2024 | Ford/Coach & Equipment | E-450/Phoenix |
Decommissioned Paratransit Vehicles
| Fleet Number(s) | Year Manufactured | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC216-EC218 | 2002 | Ford/? | E450 cutaway | Ford Power Stroke 7.3L Diesel | ||
| 0351-0359 | 2003 | International/C&E | Condor | |||
| 0460-0465 | 2004 | International/C&E | Condor | International MaxxForce DT |
| |
| EC595 | 2005 | Ford/? | E450 cutaway | Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Diesel |
| |
| 0666-0682 | 2006 | Ford/C&E | E450/? | Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Diesel | ||
| 0883-0887 | 2008 | Ford/C&E | E450/? | Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Diesel | ||
| 1088-1090 | 2010 | Ford/C&E | E450/Phoenix | Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Diesel | ||
| 1101-1119 | 2010 | Ford/C&E | E450/Phoenix | Ford V10 6.8L gasoline | ||
| 1131-1136 | 2011 | 'Ford/C&E' | 'E450/Phoenix' | 'Ford V10 6.8L gasoline' | ' ' | ' ' |
| '1237-1241' | '2012' | 'Ford/C&E' | 'E450/Phoenix' | 'Ford V10 6.8L gasoline' | ' ' | 'Equipped with VTM Ultra Capacitor Hybrid Propulsion System; some units converted back to gasoline.' |
| '1301-1302' | '2013' | 'Ford/C&E' | 'E450/Phoenix' | ' ' | ' ' | 'Converted to electric power by Amp Electric Vehicles.' |
| '1401-1403' | '2014' | 'Ford' | 'E350' | ' ' | '5 Speed EOD Automatic' | 'Raised Roof Paratransit Vans operated by Easton Coach; Flexible-fuel capable.' |
| '1404-1409' | '2014' | 'Ford/Champion' | 'E450/Challenger' | ' ' | '5 Speed EOD Automatic' | 'Operated by Easton Coach.' |
| '1410-1416' | '2014' | 'Ford/C&E' | 'E450/Phoenix' | 'Ford V10 6.8L gasoline' | ' ' | 'Fitted with VTM Ultra Capacitor Hybrid Propulsion System.' |
| '1517-1519' | '2015' | 'Ford/Champion' | 'E450/Challenger' | ' ' | ' ' | 'Managed by Easton Coach.' |
| '1546-1548' | '2016' | 'Ford/Champion' | 'E450/Challenger' | '6.8L V10 SOHC 20V Gasoline Engine' | '5 Speed EOD Automatic' | 'Unleaded gasoline powered; VIN example: 1546 - 1FDFE4FS7GDC18852.' |
| '1649-1655' | '2016' | 'Ford/Champion' | 'E450/Challenger' | '6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine' | 'Automatic, 5R110W Torque Shift Transmission' | ' ' |
| '1756-1767' | '2017' | 'Ford/Champion' | 'E450/Challenger' | '6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine' | 'Automatic, 5R110W Torque Shift Transmission' | ' ' |
| '1868-1878' | '2018' | 'Ford/Startrans' | 'E450/Senator II' | '6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine' | 'Automatic, 5R110W Torque Shift Transmission' | ' ' |
Paratransit
The Special Services Division of BARTA manages Shared Ride paratransit operations, offering combined trips between locations not adequately served by fixed-route transit. This service is available during specific hours within designated travel zones, facilitating transportation for individuals who need adaptable transit solutions.