The pro-transit mayor of Boston is proposing fare-free transit on some of the city's most heavily used bus routes.
Boston's new pro-transit mayor, Michelle Wu, is proposing expanding fare-free service on some of the city's most popular bus routes, reports Christian MilNeil.
The program would last for two years, and expand on an existing 4-month pilot that has suspended fare collections on the 28, the state’s busiest bus line, which runs on Warren Street and Blue Hill Avenue between the Ruggles Orange Line station and Mattapan Square.
With transit systems across the country facing the paradox of continued need and reduced ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies are struggling to maintain service for essential workers while dealing with revenue reductions. Advocates support fare-free transit as away to encourage higher ridership and reduce operations costs.
However, some City Councilors are objecting to the change, calling for more public input on the measure and a closer examination of the fiscal impact of the reduction in fares. The Council may vote on the measure in December.
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