Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.
A new free transit program in Seattle will provide free travel to 10,000 public housing residents, reports Daniel C. Vock in Route Fifty, shifting funding that was originally targeted to young transit riders. Youth in Washington state will now receive free fares thanks to a state program.
This isn’t the city’s first experiment with free transit for public housing residents. “In fact, Seattle provided nearly 2,000 public housing residents free fares under a pilot program that started in 2019, according to the mayor’s office.” The city also took steps to provide free transit to some low-income workers during the pandemic.
Tying transit incentives to housing can help the city streamline the program, explained Katie Wilson, general secretary of the Transit Riders Union. “The approach makes administering the program easier, and it could make it easier for residents who, for example, lose a pass to show they qualify for the program.” Advocates like Wilson hope the city and state will continue to expand free transit programs to more residents.
FULL STORY: Another City Expands Fare-Free Transit
Free Transit Starts September 1 for Seattle Youth
Sound Transit is launching a fare-free program for young riders in the hopes of educating and recruiting future riders and making schools and jobs more accessible to transit-dependent youth.
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.
Popular Tampa Bus Route Going Fare-Free
The initiative, which starts on January 5, is funded by parking fees.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions