MART Connects – Service Change April 28, 2026
April 22, 2026
MART Connects Service Update
Lancaster • Shirley • Devens • Ayer
MART remains committed to maintaining and strengthening transportation access across Ayer, Devens, Shirley, and Lancaster.
Over the past month, short-term funding has supported continued service while MART evaluated a sustainable path forward. As this service is funded through a limited-term grant, MART is implementing an updated service model to ensure transportation remains available across all four communities for as long as possible.
Effective April 28, 2026, MART Connects will operate with a more structured scheduling approach designed to provide reliable, coordinated transportation throughout the region.
How the service works:
- Door-to-door service within the service area
- Trips are scheduled in advance
- Vehicles may serve multiple riders along the way to improve availability
How to book a ride:
Call: (978) 345-7711
Advance reservations are required
Service area:
Trips must begin or end in:
Lancaster • Shirley • Devens • Ayer
Connections beyond the service area:
Service connects through Monument Square (Leominster), providing access to:
- MART fixed-route bus service
- Regional destinations
- Commuter rail access via Ayer and Shirley
Free transfers are available to MART fixed routes at Monument Square.
Fare structure:
- $4.00 (1–10 miles) • $5.00 (11–15 miles) • $7.00 (16–20 miles)
Service hours:
Monday – Friday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
This updated approach allows MART to maintain consistent service across the region, support access to jobs, healthcare, and daily needs, and ensure available funding serves as many riders as possible over time. MART will continue to monitor demand and work with state and local partners to identify opportunities to strengthen and expand service moving forward.
