Early returns from Utah Transit Authority's fare-free transit experiment.
People like to ride transit when it's free, it seems.
Writing for TownLift, Parker Malatesta reports that average weekday ridership on the Utah Transit Authoruty (UTA) system was up 20 percent in the first two weeks of February—a period coinciding with the system's "Free Fare February" promotion. "Saturday shows the largest increase at 34%, with Sunday ridership up 27%," adds Maletesta.
The most significant ridership increases are happening on the FrontRunner, a commuter rail system connecting Ogden to Provo. Ridership is up 163 percent on Saturday and 33 percent during the week, reports Malatesta.
All Utah Transit Authority (UTA) services are free until the end of the month. More ridership data can be found in the source article below.
FULL STORY: UTA reports significant increase in ridership thanks to Free Fare February
Transit Capital Investments Planned in Utah
Utah finds itself in a unique situation, with money to spend on expanding transit capacity at a time when many transit agencies are plotting layoffs and service reductions.
Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program
The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.
Free Transit for SLO Residents During Rideshare Week
San Luis Obispo transit riders can access fixed-route buses for free during the week of October 7 through October 11.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service