The state-funded effort is a way to assess how free fares impact ridership.
One Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus line in each of New York City’s five boroughs will be free to ride for the next six months or more thanks to a new pilot program funded by the state, reports Ameena Walker in Urbanize New York.
“The pilot will service around 43,900 daily riders and the five bus routes included are the Bx18A/B in the Bronx, the B60 in Brooklyn, the M116 in Manhattan, the Q4 in Queens, and the S46/96 in Staten Island,” Walker explains.
State legislators say they want to see how free fares affect ridership and hope to make all bus and train lines free in the future. “During the program period, riders will be able [to] board a fare-free bus without paying, however, if you're transferring to another bus or the subway, the fare must be paid at the transfer point.”
FULL STORY: MTA rolls out fare-free pilot on five bus routes across NYC
New York Launches Free Transit Pilot on Five Bus Lines
The lines were chosen based on the income levels, ridership, and lack of subway access in surrounding neighborhoods.
Massachusetts Extends Free Transit Through June 2025
Gov. Healey announced a $30 million extension to new and existing free fare programs at 13 public transit agencies.
NYC Tests New Subway Gates to Limit Fare Evasion
The mayor has taken a strong interest in enforcing fare collection at the city’s transit stations.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie