NORTH ATTLEBORO - A local bus route to shuttle riders from senior housing to the mall, senior center and Tri-Boro Plaza may be eliminated by GATRA.

Town Administrator Mark Fisher said he attended a meeting with officials from the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority this week who said four bus routes may be eliminated because of financial constraints.

"They are in the process of adjusting the budget because of a drop in revenue," he said.

"They took a look at the cost per ridership in all of their areas and are planning to eliminate the ones that are the most expensive," Fisher said.

Among the routes being considered for elimination is the senior shuttle, also known as Route 17, which makes stops at Emerald Square mall, Stop & Shop, Circle Court, Elm Terrace, the senior center and Tri-Boro Plaza. A public hearing on the route changes will be held within the next two months to discuss the pros and cons of the cut, Fisher said.

GATRA did not return calls for comment on Friday.

Fisher urged selectmen to consider writing letters to the area's legislators about the funding for the bus company.

"There is a misconception out there that the state funds 75 percent of regional transportation costs," Fisher said.

"The way the budget works, different towns get different amounts. GATRA is only funded 25 percent by the state."