PVTA

(Republican file photo)

HOLYOKE -- The transit authority of Western Massachusetts has proposed changes to a route that services commuters in Holyoke, Springfield and West Springfield and the organization invites public input on the plan.

The Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority seeks to increase the frequency of the

. The daily runs from the Springfield bus

t

erminal on Main Street to the Riverdale Shops in West Springfield and through Holyoke, stopping at the Holyoke Mall, Kmart Plaza and the transportation center by way of South Street.

The P20 currently runs every half hour starting at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and ends service at 10:30 p.m. Service starts later and ends earlier on weekends. Express routes run weekday and Saturday afternoons.

On average, it serves 83,210 passengers every month.

The PVTA is considering increasing this service instead of introducing the X94 line, which would have begun in the fall. The route would run from the 5 Towne Plaza in Springfield to the Eastfield Mall, Indian Orchard and the Big Y in Ludlow. "The PVTA believes that this route will be challenged to create new ridership and believe that the resources would be better spent along other existing corridors," the organization said in a statement.

Public input is sought on this proposed route change. The PVTA is holding two public hearings on the matter on Wednesday, June 17. One will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Holyoke Transportation Center, 206 Maple St. The second will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 60 Congress St. in Springfield.