Free Transit
How Fair and Viable Is Free Transit?
Without other dedicated funding sources, U.S. transit agencies likely can’t sustain fare-free programs.
Despite Funding Challenges, Chapel Hill Offers Extensive Free Transportation Network
The North Carolina college town boasts free transit and dozens of miles of bike lanes and greenways.
Opinion: Free Transit Has Proven Itself
Eliminating transit fares can have benefits that ripple across a local economy and improve livelihoods.
LA’s ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ Pilot, Eight Months In
The program issued ‘mobility wallets’ to 1,000 residents who took over 67,000 trips.
Massachusetts State Budget Funds Free Transit Programs
The transportation budget allocates at least $15 million to new and existing fare-free bus transit programs.
NYC Tests New Subway Gates to Limit Fare Evasion
The mayor has taken a strong interest in enforcing fare collection at the city’s transit stations.
OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides
The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.
The Variable Benefits of Streetcars
An analysis of several streetcar systems shows that they bring different benefits based on a community’s goals.
New Mexico Could Become First State With Free Public Transit
With less than a dozen transit agencies statewide, advocates say New Mexico could effectively make all of its transit free with enough legislative support.
Sound Transit to Start Enforcing Fare Violations This Month
After two warnings, riders who fail to show proof of payment can be issued fines.
Miami-Dade County Suspends Transit Fares for Rest of 2023
Starting November 13, bus and rail rides will be free as the county rolls out its ‘Better Bus’ system redesign.
El Paso Streetcar Marries History, Mobility, and Economic Development
The city’s streetcar line, defunct since 1974, is moving thousands of riders through a newly revitalized downtown.
Albuquerque Could Extend Free Transit Pilot
City councilors say data from a fare-free pilot program validates the economic and social benefits of free transit.
New York Launches Free Transit Pilot on Five Bus Lines
The lines were chosen based on the income levels, ridership, and lack of subway access in surrounding neighborhoods.
St. Petersburg To Offer Free Bus Rides to Low-Income Residents
Eligible riders must reside within the city and lack alternate forms of transportation.
New York MTA Makes Five Bus Routes Fare-Free
The state-funded effort is a way to assess how free fares impact ridership.
Rhode Island Ends Free Transit Program
The state’s public transit agency cited cost overruns and a looming ‘fiscal cliff.’
Complicating the Free Transit Vs. Service Debate
Pitting Washington, D.C.’s K Street Transitway against free transit oversimplifies a more complex issue.
Connecticut’s Ends Fare-Free Pilot
State officials say federal requirements forced the end of a twelve-month pilot program, and that the state doesn’t have the funding to continue providing free fares with the end of federal assistance.
Opinion: Improving Transit More Important Than Free Fares
More investments in high-quality transit service coupled with income-based discounts could offer a better way to boost ridership and help low-income riders.
Pagination
City of Rochester
Boston Harbor Now
City of Bellevue
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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