Mart Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Looking for the MART bus schedule? The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) serves communities in North Central Massachusetts, including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Lunenburg, Athol, Orange and surrounding towns.
This guide helps you identify the correct MART bus route, check actual scheduled departure examples, find stops and transfers, understand fare-free fixed-route buses, connect to MBTA Commuter Rail or Worcester, and distinguish regular buses from advance-booked transportation.
Where Can You Find the Current MART Bus Schedule?
The official MART Schedules & Maps directory lists local buses, regional routes, commuter shuttles, on-demand services and special Sunday schedules.
Choose the exact route, open its official timetable, identify the correct service day and locate the nearest published timepoint. Check the route’s current PDF download when MART notes that updated timing has replaced an older printed table.
Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Athol or another town.
Choose the correct bus number or regional shuttle.
Check direction, service day and published stop times.
Confirm the transfer center, street or boarding location.
Read detours and confirm your return journey.
MART Bus Schedule Guide
MART Local Bus Routes, Destinations and Stops
MART’s local network includes routes in Fitchburg, Leominster and nearby communities. Many services connect through the Fitchburg Intermodal Transportation Center or Leominster Monument Square.
Route 1 — Circle Line
Serves Fitchburg Intermodal Center, Twin City Marketplace, Leominster Monument Square, the Mall at Whitney Field and Kings Corner.
Fitchburg Leominster ShoppingThe official page identifies revised timing effective December 8, 2025. Route 1 and Route 3 serve related areas in different loop orders.
Route 2 — Main Line
Connects Fitchburg Intermodal Center with Leominster Monument Square and stops including Marshalls Plaza, Leominster Hospital and Water Tower Plaza.
Main corridor Hospital accessCheck the direction of travel and individual timepoint because the route serves a loop between its main transfer locations.
Route 3 — Circle Line
Connects Fitchburg Intermodal Center, Kings Corner, the Mall at Whitney Field, Monument Square and Twin City Marketplace.
Shopping centers Loop serviceRoute 3 is a different loop pattern from Route 1. A nearby stop may be served in the opposite order, so read the actual departure table.
Route 4 — Fitchburg State University
Serves Fitchburg State University destinations including Hammond Hall and the Wallace Civic Center, with connections to the Fitchburg Intermodal Center.
University School-calendar variationsDifferent timetable tables can apply during the regular semester, McKay school days, Fridays, Sundays or out-of-session periods.
Route 5 — Fitchburg Line II
Runs between Fitchburg Intermodal Center and areas such as Upper Common, Parkhill Plaza, the Cleghorn neighborhood and Central Plaza.
Fitchburg Parkhill PlazaSome stops may not be served by every trip. Check the timetable’s dashes and route notes.
Routes 6 & 7 — Fitchburg / Lunenburg
Serve the Fitchburg High School, Burbank, John Fitch Highway, Wallace Plaza and Lunenburg Crossing corridors.
Fitchburg High Lunenburg CrossingThe official combined timetable includes separate timepoints, so check whether the trip continues through the desired section.
Routes 8 & 9 — Leominster
Serve Leominster neighborhoods and locations around Monument Square, shopping districts and the Leominster Senior Center.
Leominster Local tripsUse the route-specific timetable because Route 8 and Route 9 do not follow the same streets.
Route 11 — Wachusett / Great Wolf Lodge
Serves Fitchburg Intermodal Center, Upper Common, Waites Corner, Montachusett Industrial Park, Wachusett Station and Great Wolf Lodge on applicable trips.
Wachusett Station Great Wolf LodgeNot every trip serves every listed destination. Read the dashes in the official table.
Fitchburg State University Shuttle
MART also lists a Fitchburg State University Shuttle alongside its regular local services.
Campus Academic calendarConfirm whether the shuttle operates on your date, especially during academic breaks or campus events.
MART Bus Schedule Times: First Bus, Last Bus and Route Duration
MART schedules are route-specific. Some local buses run repeated loops, while regional shuttles make fewer trips each day. The best departure is the one shown for your actual boarding stop and direction.
Selected MART timetable examples
| Route and published trip | Departure | Major stop | Arrival | Scheduled ride time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 — Circle Line | Fitchburg ITC, 7:10 AM | Monument Square, 7:36 AM | Fitchburg ITC, 8:15 AM | 65-minute complete loop |
| Route 3 — Circle Line | Fitchburg ITC, 6:35 AM | Monument Square, 7:05 AM | Fitchburg ITC, 7:27 AM | 52-minute complete loop |
| Gardner Route 1 South | City Hall, 6:30 AM | Gardner ITC, 7:01 AM | City Hall, 7:07 AM | 37-minute complete loop |
| Worcester Commuter Shuttle | Fitchburg ITC, 8:10 AM | Worcester Courthouse, 8:51 AM | Worcester Union Station, 8:56 AM | 46 minutes |
How to read a MART schedule correctly
Each column generally represents a scheduled trip.
Look down the relevant timepoint row.
A dash means no service at that stop on that trip.
Symbols such as T may indicate termination.
Check the last bus before leaving.
If your destination is between two major published timepoints, allow sufficient time and ask MART about the nearest correct stop. Do not assume the bus reaches every intermediate stop at the time displayed for the nearest large destination.
Is the MART Bus Free in 2026?
Yes. MART’s published fare policy lists its regular local and regional fixed-route bus service as fare-free. The fare-free policy also applies to its ADA paratransit program under the current Massachusetts regional transit funding structure.
Regular MART local bus service in communities such as Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner.
Regular regional fixed routes and qualifying commuter shuttle services.
Fare-free eligible ADA paratransit service; eligibility and reservation requirements still apply.
MART’s current fare page lists local passes as fare-free.
Regional fixed-route passes are also listed as fare-free.
MART Connects and certain Devens ride services have separate fares, booking rules and coverage limits.
MART Gardner Bus Schedule: Routes 1, 2 and Connections
Gardner has its own local MART route system. Do not confuse Gardner Route 1 or Route 2 with the differently named numbered routes in Fitchburg and Leominster.
Gardner Route 1 South
Serves City Hall, Olde English Village, Gardner Community Health Center, Walmart Plaza, Timpany Plaza, Heritage Village and Gardner Plaza.
The official timetable includes approximately 40-minute loops during substantial weekday periods, with separate weekend service.
Useful for: local shopping, appointments, community destinations and the Gardner Intermodal Transportation Center.
Gardner Route 2 North
Serves Gardner City Hall, Gardner Highrise, District Court, Mount Wachusett Community College, Henry Heywood Hospital, Dunn Pond and Gardner High School.
Its official route page lists weekday and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules.
Useful for: healthcare, college access, civic offices and local residential areas.
Gardner transfer sequence
MART Athol, Orange, Templeton and Gardner–Athol Bus Schedule
MART provides the Athol/Orange Shuttle and the Gardner–Athol Link. These routes serve distinct purposes and should not be treated as one bus.
Athol/Orange Shuttle
Runs through key Athol and Orange destinations such as North Quabbin Commons, Athol Hospital, Athol Depot/YMCA, Orange Center and Orange Innovation Center.
The published table includes weekday and weekend services and route-specific stops.
Gardner–Athol Link
Connects Gardner with Templeton, Phillipston and Athol-area destinations, including the Athol YMCA and healthcare-related stops.
MART publishes weekday and Sunday-related service information, with specific service-day columns and route notes.
Traveling beyond the Montachusett service area into the Pioneer Valley may require a separate regional journey. The PVTA bus schedule guide for Western Massachusetts explains another regional transit network serving communities such as Springfield, Northampton and Amherst. Do not assume a direct MART-to-PVTA transfer or a single through bus exists.
MART Fitchburg–Worcester Commuter Shuttle
The MART Worcester Commuter Shuttle connects Fitchburg and Leominster with Worcester destinations such as the courthouse, Saint Vincent Hospital and Worcester Union Station.
It is useful for connecting to Worcester’s rail and local bus network. The current official route page displays a weekday timetable with several departures from Fitchburg.
Published Fitchburg-to-Worcester timepoints
| Fitchburg ITC | Leominster Monument Square | Worcester Union Station | Scheduled duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 AM | 6:30 AM | 7:25 AM | 70 minutes |
| 8:10 AM | 8:26 AM | 8:56 AM | 46 minutes |
| 10:00 AM | 10:16 AM | 10:46 AM | 46 minutes |
| 11:50 AM | 12:06 PM | 12:36 PM | 46 minutes |
| 3:30 PM | 3:46 PM | 4:16 PM | 46 minutes |
Once you arrive at Worcester Union Station, the local bus system is operated separately by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. Our WRTA Worcester routes, fare-free buses and transfer guide helps you plan the next local trip without confusing MART’s Worcester shuttle with WRTA services.
MART Bus Connections to MBTA Commuter Rail
MART connects with the MBTA Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line at locations such as Fitchburg and Wachusett. This can help travelers heading to Boston and other communities along the line.
Fitchburg Intermodal Transportation Center
This central bus hub is a major starting point for local MART routes and connections in Fitchburg.
It is useful for changing between local routes, regional shuttles and train-related journeys.
Important: Confirm the actual rail station entrance and MART bus boarding area when changing modes.
Wachusett Commuter Shuttle
MART publishes a Gardner-to-Wachusett Station shuttle schedule intended to complement MBTA train arrivals and departures.
The official schedule identifies weekday operation and no holiday service.
The published notes say the shuttle can wait up to 15 minutes for a late MBTA train arriving from Boston, subject to current operating arrangements.
Example Gardner-to-Wachusett shuttle journey
The official MART shuttle page includes examples such as a 5:40 AM departure from Gardner ITC arriving at Wachusett at 6:00 AM. The shuttle and train schedules must both be checked for the actual travel date because rail timetables can change independently of MART’s posted PDF.
For train connections after leaving the MART network, the MBTA schedules, commuter connections and Boston-area transit guide provides supporting information about the MBTA network, station transfers, fares and real-time travel tools.
MART Connects, Devens On-Demand and Taxi Ride Fares
MART also operates services that are not ordinary fixed-route buses. These can require reservations, eligibility checks or payment even while MART’s regular buses are free.
MART Connects — Ayer, Devens, Lancaster and Shirley
MART Connects is an advance-booked taxi and livery program serving trips that begin or end in the participating communities. Its updated model began April 28, 2026.
One-way MART Connects charge under the published mileage structure.
One-way charge for the applicable distance range.
One-way charge for the longer eligible distance range.
MART Connects service details
- Service days: Monday–Friday
- Operating hours: 5:30 AM–10 PM
- Advance booking required
- Reservations normally by 2 PM the previous day
- Booking phone: 978-345-7711
- Payment through accepted card or ride-ticket arrangements
Devens On-Demand Ride Service
MART separately lists an on-demand taxi service serving Devens from specified pickup locations, including Fitchburg and Leominster.
The listed one-way fare is $2.00 for adults from Fitchburg/Leominster to Devens, with a $1.00 qualifying reduced fare.
Advance booking is required by the specified previous-business-day cutoff. This is not the same product as the MART Connects mileage-based service.
Does MART Bus Run on Sunday and Holidays?
Some MART routes operate on Sundays, but the Sunday schedule is not identical to weekday or Saturday service.
MART’s schedule directory includes Sunday service information for:
- Route 1
- Route 2
- Routes 5 and 7
- Leominster Routes 8 and 9
- Gardner Route 1
- Gardner Route 2
- Gardner–Athol Link
- Athol/Orange Shuttle
MART also lists agency-office closures for major holidays including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Patriots’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
MART Bus Route Map and Major Transfer Centers
MART’s network covers multiple cities and towns, so it is important to use the map for the correct service area rather than relying on one generic bus map.
Fitchburg Intermodal Center
A principal hub for local Fitchburg routes, Leominster connections and several regional shuttles.
Useful for: changing local routes and planning MBTA-related journeys.
Leominster Monument Square
A major interchange for MART buses serving Leominster, Fitchburg, shopping areas and regional destinations.
Useful for: transfers between local and regional routes.
Gardner Intermodal Transportation Center
MART lists the Gardner ITC at 555 Main Street in its commuter shuttle material.
Useful for: Gardner local routes and longer regional connections.
Athol Depot / YMCA
A major Athol-area pickup and connection point appearing in the Athol/Orange and Gardner–Athol timetables.
Useful for: North Quabbin local and regional travel.
Fitchburg Intermodal Center map
The following map provides a location reference for Fitchburg’s principal MART transit hub. It does not display live vehicles or the full MART route network.
For unfamiliar streets, transit-stop icons and walking connections, our Google Maps bus stop and transit directions tutorial explains how to find the correct boarding point, check walking distance and compare available routes. MART’s official timetable remains the primary source for current operating times.
How to Check MART Bus Times and Arrival Information
Scheduled departure is the time listed in MART’s timetable. Live arrival would be a prediction using updated vehicle information where a supported data feed exists.
An official, publicly accessible live fixed-route MART tracking tool was not independently confirmed during this review. Therefore, this guide does not promise that every route has a live countdown or direct vehicle map.
Visit the official schedules directory.
Choose the correct city and route number.
Use the latest published timetable.
Match direction, timepoint and service day.
Call MART when the time or stop is uncertain.
MART Bus Delays, Detours and Schedule Changes
Temporary construction, special events, school schedules, road closures or vehicle availability can affect fixed-route service.
MART’s official website has carried a warning about using an alternate bridge route for travel to and from Fitchburg ITC.
Confirm the active routing before waiting at a potentially affected stop.
Construction-related notices have moved the Athol shuttle pickup to a Freedom Street location near Ocean State.
The usual parking-area stop should not be assumed available.
Several Fitchburg and Leominster routes received revised timing in December 2025.
Older PDFs and saved screenshots can differ from the current route page.
MART Accessibility, ADA Paratransit and Bikes
MART operates accessible fixed-route transportation and an ADA paratransit program for approved riders who cannot use regular fixed-route buses for qualifying disability-related reasons.
Fixed-route accessibility
- Ask MART about accessible boarding and vehicle features.
- Confirm the boarding stop’s curb and sidewalk access.
- Check whether a temporary detour affects your stop.
- Allow extra time for accessible boarding when needed.
MART’s route documentation also describes bicycle racks on its fixed-route buses and shuttle vans. Check the current bicycle policy and available capacity.
ADA paratransit reservations
ADA paratransit service requires eligibility approval and advance scheduling.
MART’s passenger guidance instructs eligible riders to call in advance, with next-day reservations generally required by the previous business-day cutoff.
General MART number: 978-345-7711.
TDD: 800-789-0577.
MART Bus Rider Checklist
- Identify the correct MART service area and city.
- Open the official schedule for the route number.
- Check the effective date of the current timetable.
- Read the correct weekday or weekend table.
- Confirm the route direction and destination.
- Find the actual boarding stop or transfer center.
- Arrive about 5–10 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Check dashes, route variations and termination symbols.
- Review active construction and temporary stop notices.
- Confirm whether the service is fare-free or advance-booked.
- Check your return trip and last available departure.
- Allow extra time for MBTA rail or Worcester transfers.
MART Phone Number, Office Address and Contact Details
Administrative Headquarters
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
1427R Water Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Phone: 978-345-7711
TDD: 800-789-0577
Office Hours
MART lists administrative office hours of:
- Monday–Friday
- 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
These are administrative hours, not the operating hours of every bus route.
Special ride-reservation programs can have different call-center hours and booking cutoffs.
Official MART Bus Timetable, Fare and Service Sources
These MART-operated pages and agency documents are the primary sources for the guide. Use the latest official schedule to confirm changes made after this review.
Local, regional, Sunday and special bus services.
MART Schedules & MapsCurrent fare-free fixed-route policy and related information.
MART Fares & PassesFitchburg, Leominster and Lunenburg Circle Line.
MART Route 1Circle Line serving Kings Corner, Monument Square and shopping destinations.
MART Route 3Gardner Route 1 and Route 2 timepoints and weekend service.
Gardner Route 1Local Athol and Orange stops and route notices.
Athol/Orange ScheduleFitchburg-to-Worcester timepoints and stops.
Worcester ShuttleGardner, Wachusett Station and MBTA connections.
Wachusett Shuttle2026 advance-booked taxi service details and fares.
MART ConnectsJuly 1 discontinuation of Monthly Subscription Ride Service.
Official Service ChangeMART Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the MART bus schedule?
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority publishes local, regional and Sunday bus schedules at mrta.us/schedules-maps/. Select the route and use its current timetable.
What cities does MART serve?
MART serves North Central Massachusetts, including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Lunenburg, Athol, Orange and surrounding communities through local, regional and specialized services.
Are MART buses free in 2026?
Yes. MART’s regular local and regional fixed-route buses are listed as fare-free. However, certain advance-booked taxi and livery services have separate charges.
What time do MART buses start running?
Start times vary by route and service day. Some published MART tables include departures in the early morning, but there is no single first-bus time for the entire system.
What time is the last MART bus?
The last departure depends on the route, direction, day and stop. Check the final trip in the official timetable and any termination notes before planning your return journey.
Does MART run on Sunday?
Selected MART routes operate on Sundays, including listed Gardner, Athol/Orange and Fitchburg/Leominster services. Use the separate Sunday schedule for the specific route.
Can I take MART from Fitchburg to Worcester?
Yes. MART publishes a weekday Fitchburg–Worcester Commuter Shuttle serving locations in Leominster and Worcester, including Union Station. Verify the current official timetable before traveling.
Does MART connect with MBTA Commuter Rail?
Yes. MART connects with the MBTA Fitchburg Line, including services related to Fitchburg and Wachusett stations. Train fares and timetables are separate from MART fixed-route service.
What is MART Connects?
MART Connects is an advance-booked taxi/livery program serving Ayer, Devens, Lancaster and Shirley. It uses separate mileage-based fares and reservation requirements.
Can I track my MART bus live?
Use the current official MART timetable for scheduled service. A publicly accessible official live tracker for all fixed routes was not independently confirmed during this review, so contact MART when a real-time arrival confirmation is essential.
How early should I arrive at a MART bus stop?
For most fixed-route trips, arriving about 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time is a practical precaution. Allow additional time at an unfamiliar transfer center or when connecting to a train.
What is MART’s customer service phone number?
MART’s main phone number is 978-345-7711. Its administrative headquarters is at 1427R Water Street, Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420.