Fare-Free Transit

Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.

Can New York Legislators Make Buses Free While Improving Service?
A pair of state legislators hope to make buses free while improving service levels on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) bus system in New York City. The effort will require a new level of political will for transit.

Free Transit, But at What Cost?
Opinion: The movement toward fare-free transit might have more to do with optics and politics than planning.

Connecticut Extends Free Bus Fares
Local leaders applaud the move, but are calling on the state to keep fares free permanently.

Free Rides, Overnight Service Considered for Metro Transit in D.C.
Washington, D.C. councilmembers are making a bold commitment to public transit.

Colorado Free Transit Program Boosted Ridership
Many local transit agencies that took advantage of a state program that funded free fares throughout August have seen increased ridership even beyond the program’s end.

The Limits of Kansas City’s Fare-Free Experiment
For the Missouri city, the economic and social benefits of eliminating transit fares outweigh the costs, but can their success be replicated in bigger cities more dependent on farebox revenue?

Cincinnati Streetcar Sets Monthly Ridership Record
The Cincinnati Streetcar, now known as the Cincinnati Connector, has come so far.

Study: In Lieu of Free Fares, Transit Needs a Cash Option
Many of the riders who rely on public transit the most are also least likely to be able to use cashless fare systems.

Free Transit Starts September 1 for Seattle Youth
Sound Transit is launching a fare-free program for young riders in the hopes of educating and recruiting future riders and making schools and jobs more accessible to transit-dependent youth.

Atlanta Transit Could Go Fare-Free
The city has tasked the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority with evaluating the feasibility of eliminating transit fares.

The State of America’s Free Transit Programs
Dozens of cities made public transit free during the pandemic. Can transit agencies sustain these programs?

Boulder Launches ‘Zero Fare for Better Air’
The Colorado city will make public transit free during the month of August to boost ridership and reduce emissions.

Tucson Extends Free Transit To End of Year
After eliminating transit fares in 2020, the city of Tucson is exploring ways to fund a permanent program.

Transit Agencies Adjusting to New Realities
As transit ridership remains tepid around the country, transit agencies are looking to diversify their funding sources and become less reliant on farebox revenue.

The Success Story of Alexandria’s Free Buses
Thanks to state and regional funding, the city eliminated fares while making service improvements.

Fare-Free Transit Hasn’t Reduced Car Trips, Data Says
Fare-free transit isn’t the climate change benefit that many have hoped, according to recent writing by David Zipper for Bloomberg.

Free Transit for San Diego Youth
The Youth Opportunity Pass program provides free transit to San Diego County youth in an effort to boost ridership and improve transportation options for young residents.

Colorado Proposal Would Fund Free Summer Transit
The state is weighing a plan to offer free transit rides during ozone-heavy months in an effort to improve the state's air quality.

Gas Too Expensive? Cincinnati Metro Has You Covered With Free Rides
Cincinnati residents and visitors will have access to free transit for a week as the agency aims to boost ridership.
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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City of Culver City
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
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