Albuquerque will become one of the largest cities in the nation to launch a fare-free pilot program for transit riders.
The Albuquerque City Council approved a 12-month pilot program to allow fare-free access to the ABQ Ride system, starting on January 1, 2022.
The pilot program will use federal funds approved four months ago to fund the pilot program, according to an article by Jessica Dyer.
Dyer's article provides insight into the public discussion that preceded the vote, and also an explanation for the long duration of time between the approval of funding and the approval of funding. According to Dyer, "some councilors had recently hesitated to set it in motion, voicing reservations about whether the city had adequately planned for security problems that might arise when there is no financial barrier to boarding."
City councilmembers have said they plan to support the fare-free model going forward, if it proves popular with riders, according to a separate article by KOB 4.
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