MART bus routes in Gardner are changing: A 60-second read

Montachusett Regional Transport Authority opened a 14-day comment period on the proposed changes to Gardner Routes 1, 2, and 3, which ends Wednesday, July 24.

MART wants feedback on the changes made to Route 3 in January and potential changes to Routes 1 and 2.

Route 3 has operated a 30-minute loop 19 times daily, up from 11, since January and MART officials want to make that permanent. The new route includes Heywood Hospital, City Hall, Gardner Highrise, Timpany Plaza and Walmart Plaza.

MART proposed changes increase the loops Route 1 and 2 buses make per day. Route 1 (South Gardner) will make 17 with stops at City Hall, Price Chopper, Gardner MART Center, Gardner Plaza, Timpany Plaza, Olde English Village, Heritage Village/South Gardner Center and Walmart Plaza.

Gardner Route 2(North Gardner) will make 18 with stops at the Gardner MART Center, Price Chopper, City Hall, Gardner Highrise, West Street/Foss Road intersection, Dunn Pond, Heywood Hospital, and Mount Wachusett Community College.

Additionally, changes include the transfer locations. Riders will transfer between Routes 1 and 3 at Wal-Mart Plaza, Timpany Plaza, or City Hall; Routes 1 and 2 at Gardner MART Center, Price Chopper, or City Hall.; and Routes 2 and 3 at City Hall, Gardner Highrise, or Heywood Hospital.

The Athol link bus route service proposed change is adding Saturday and Sunday routes from 9:45 a.m. to 3:43 p.m. The bus route and the stops will remain the same.

Email comments to MART by the deadline at contactmart@mrta.us or call the office at 978-345-7711.