The department wants to prevent cities that receive funds from the Federal Transit Administration from offering free transit fares.
A proposal from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) would bar cities receiving federal transportation funds from offering free bus service, citing safety and funding concerns.
As Chris Marquette explains in Politico, “The proposal applies to transportation agencies located in areas with populations over 200,000 and a fleet of more than 100 buses. That could affect transit systems in the Kansas City metro area; Richmond, Virginia; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, all of which currently offer free bus rides.” It would also impact New York City Mayor Mamdani’s proposal to make NYC buses free.
Cities receiving funds from the Federal Transportation Administration would be required to charge fares. The proposal would exempt major events such as the Olympics, as well as free service for groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, children, students, and veterans.
According to USDOT, “This policy would help ensure the largest federally supported systems are safer and more adequately funded by users.”
FULL STORY: DOT wants to prohibit free buses. That could be a problem for Mamdani in NYC.
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association