Opinion: Free Transit Has Proven Itself

In a commentary in the Gazette Leader, Liam Crisan argues that free public transit has proven itself as an effective way to boost ridership, improve equity, and offer better mobility and connectivity.

In Albuquerque, ridership grew by 49.4 percent in the year following the city’s decision to make all its transit routes free. “Zero fares is a direct way to put cash in the pockets of those who need it most. Most of those who use ABQ RIDE are people of color, 74 percent are low-income and 73 percent don’t have access to a car.” Other cities with fare-free pilot programs include Richmond, Virginia, Kansas City, Missouri, and Olympia, Washington.

Eliminating transit fares can also save agencies money by eliminating fare collection mechanisms and enforcement costs and contribute to economic development. According to Crisan, “Every $1 invested generates $5 in economic returns. Better funding and more ridership means more jobs and increased commercial activity. By connecting people to medical, educational, professional, and community-building resources, affordable and accessible public transit changes lives.”