The city of Boston will undertake an experiment about how to center public transit as an economic recovery tool.
"The City of Boston is offering a free public transit pilot for up to 1,000 employees who work in five of the city's Main Street districts," reports Cailin Crowe. Main Street districts are recognized by the city of Boston as the commercial centers of local neighborhoods.
"Pilot participants will receive a pre-loaded Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) pass with $60, and other participants will receive two cards after four weeks that will be worth up to $60. The city will also offer free passes for unlimited rides through the Bluebikes bike-share program," adds Crowe for detail about the scope of the pilot program.
Crowe also reports that Acting Mayor Kim Janey is presenting the pilot project as one effort toward post-pandemic recovery in the city. Meanwhile, the MBTA in March implemented another round of service cuts to the transit system in response to declining fare revenues during the pandemic, despite facing criticism for the cuts.
The city of Columbus, Ohio is the poster child for free fares targeted to specific populations of workers. The Central Ohio Transit Authority recently extended its "C-pass" program, in place since 2018, until 2025.
FULL STORY: Boston pilots free public transit in bid for equitable COVID recovery
Free Transit Pass Program Extended in Columbus
According to Columbus officials, transit ridership to and from downtown doubled in the years since the city implemented a free transit pass program.
Downtown Columbus Workers to Get Free Transit Passes
Downtown businesses are helping fund an innovative program to get more downtown workers out of their cars and onto public transit.
Boston Transit Board Approves Low-Income Fare, but Funding is Unclear
The board voted to include the T’s on-demand paratransit service in the discount program, prompting concerns about cost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions