WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is marking five decades of service in Central Massachusetts.

The WRTA started in 1974 and said since then they've provided accessible, reliable, and sustainable public transportation.

Right now, the WRTA is the longest-standing fare-free transit system in the nation.

As it looks to expand service, the WRTA is also looking to improve its contributions to the environment.

Next year they'll bring in seven electric buses. 

"They will be much more modern,” said Doug Belanger, WRTA Advisory Board Chairperson. “We've tried this before, but they’re tough in New England. It takes some different style going up our hills, especially in the winter, things like that. So, we're starting there, so you'll see a lot more electric buses. We're expanding the service in general. We want all the cities and towns outside of Worcester to get the kind of service we're able to give Worcester. It takes time. It also takes drivers. We're always hiring for those folks out there. Good money, good benefits, good union job."

The WRTA runs in 37 cities and towns. 

Last year the system served 4.5 million riders, the highest amount ever in its 50-year history.