Free Transit

Row of four red and white MUNI ticketing machines in transit station in San Francisco, California.

How Fair and Viable Is Free Transit?

Without other dedicated funding sources, U.S. transit agencies likely can’t sustain fare-free programs.

February 27, 2024 - Stateline

Close-up of crowded bike rack on university campus with students walking in background.

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.

February 21, 2024 - Yahoo News

Woman waiting at city bus stop with blue bus pulling up.

Opinion: Free Transit Has Proven Itself

Eliminating transit fares can have benefits that ripple across a local economy and improve livelihoods.

January 25, 2024 - Gazette Leader

Yellow and black Metro light rail train pulling up to outdoor platform with Los Angeles skyline in background.

LA’s ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ Pilot, Eight Months In

The program issued ‘mobility wallets’ to 1,000 residents who took over 67,000 trips.

January 16, 2024 - Next City

City bus in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Budget Funds Free Transit Programs

The transportation budget allocates at least $15 million to new and existing fare-free bus transit programs.

January 11, 2024 - Streetsblog Massachusetts

Sepia-toned photo of New York City subway turnstiles.

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.

December 10, 2023 - Curbed

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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.

December 5, 2023 - The Oklahoman

White and blue Kansas City streetcar at a station with LIberty Memorial column in background.

The Variable Benefits of Streetcars

An analysis of several streetcar systems shows that they bring different benefits based on a community’s goals.

November 28, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

"Welcome to New Mexico - Land of Enchantment"  roadside sign with red text onyellow background and rustic wood frame around sign.

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.

November 22, 2023 - Streetblog USA

Sound Transit

Sound Transit to Start Enforcing Fare Violations This Month

After two warnings, riders who fail to show proof of payment can be issued fines.

November 5, 2023 - Mass Transit

Blue Miami-Dade transit trolleybus.

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.

October 25, 2023 - MSN

Orange and white streetcar in El Paso, Texas.

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.

October 18, 2023 - Next City

Blue bus in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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.

October 17, 2023 - KRQE

Close-up from back of blue and white New York City bus

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.

October 11, 2023 - El Pais

Green SunRunner bus in St. Petersburg, Florida.

St. Petersburg To Offer Free Bus Rides to Low-Income Residents

Eligible riders must reside within the city and lack alternate forms of transportation.

October 10, 2023 - Mass Transit

Interior of busy city bus with people standing, holding on to top bar.

New York MTA Makes Five Bus Routes Fare-Free

The state-funded effort is a way to assess how free fares impact ridership.

September 27, 2023 - Urbanize New York

White and green Rhode Island Public Transit Agency bus

Rhode Island Ends Free Transit Program

The state’s public transit agency cited cost overruns and a looming ‘fiscal cliff.’

August 14, 2023 - The Center Square

Passengers lined up to board city bus in Washington, D.C. to Dulles Airport

Complicating the Free Transit Vs. Service Debate

Pitting Washington, D.C.’s K Street Transitway against free transit oversimplifies a more complex issue.

May 15, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

CTtransit bus driving through snowy street in Norwalk, Connecticut

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.

April 20, 2023 - Connecticut Public Radio

Portland Transit

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.

April 18, 2023 - Route Fifty

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