While the details of funding are undetermined, Kansas City, Missouri took a monumental step in the history of U.S. public transit yesterday.
"The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council on Thursday unanimously approved to a resolution that may eliminate public bus fares, positioning the city to become the first major metropolitan area with free public bus service," reports Nick Starling.
The Zero Fare Transit program, as the city is calling it, will require "the City Manager to include a funding request in the next fiscal year budget to make fixed route public transportation fare free within the City," according to the text of the resolution approved yesterday. Where the money for the program comes from remains an open question.
Both Kansas City Mayor Quintron Lucas and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority voiced its support for Zero Fare Transit on Twitter.
Thank you @KCMO City Council. This is going to improve the lives of so many and help fuel the local economy. #ZeroFareTransit https://t.co/z3eZgQbtfl
— RideKC (@RideKCTransit) December 5, 2019
FULL STORY: Free bus rides: KCMO Council moves closer to eliminating fares
Kansas City Approves Transit Funding
Voters approved a ten-year extension on a sales tax that provides roughly one-third of the local transit agency’s revenue.
'Freedom to Move Act' Would Provide Federal Support for Free Transit Programs
New legislation by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) would also target fare enforcement on the nation's transit systems.
Free Transit Under Consideration in Kansas City
The idea of free transit is sold as a benefit to the environment and the city's most vulnerable residents in this editorial by the Kansas City Star.
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
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.
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