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.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.
Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks
HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.
Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?
USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.
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.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport