The program would allow transit agencies throughout the state to eliminate or reduce fares.
Two bills in Virginia, HB1414 and SB890, include a $6.3 million proposal from Governor Ralph Northam to fund pilot projects at transit agencies in the state that would offer discounted fares to low-income riders or free routes.
The Transit Incentive Program would provide free or low-cost transit passes, eliminate fares on high-capacity routes, and establish fare-free routes for entire systems.
Proponents of the proposal say such a program would eliminate transportation costs, a major job barrier for those riders least able to afford fares, and improve equity and access. But critics say fare-free systems are costly, and they argue that funding that goes toward such systems could be used for service improvements instead.
"To Lisa Guthrie, executive director of the Virginia Transit Association, the Transit Incentive Program represents a natural next step in the Commonwealth’s dogged determination to remain the number one state for business while also beginning to tackle its status as the worst state for workers," writes Wyatt Gordon.
FULL STORY: Virginia considers free or reduced fares for local transit agencies
The Free Public Transit Debate
The pros and cons of fare-free transit involve a range of issues, from operations logistics and outcomes to costs and fiscal priorities.
Downtown Columbus Workers to Get Free Transit Passes
Downtown businesses are helping fund an innovative program to get more downtown workers out of their cars and onto public transit.
Every Worker in Downtown Columbus Could Have a Free Bus Pass Coming Their Way
A program under consideration by the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District could be the envy of central business district's all over the country.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
Car-Centric LA Suburb Looks to a Train-Oriented Future
City leaders in Rancho Cucamonga, the future western terminus of the Brightline West rail line to Las Vegas, want to reimagine the city as a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly community.
New Alaska Bitcoin Mine Would Burn as Much Energy as the State’s Largest Coal Plant
Fueled by “stranded” natural gas, the startup hopes to become the largest in the US, and to make Alaska an industry center.
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.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)