Free transit would reduce boarding times and improve working conditions for bus drivers, the 'frontline workers' responsible for fare collection and enforcement.

As the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches a fare-free pilot program on Boston's heavily used Route 28 bus, "Abdallah Fayyad urges city and MBTA officials to study not only the effect of free fares on ridership but also their effect on the bus drivers." Sandy Smith reports on Fayyad's essay, in which he argues that eliminating fares would also benefit bus drivers, "the frontline workers responsible for collecting fares and enforcing fare policy."
Bus drivers routinely "face both verbal and physical abuse from riders when they do discourage fare evasion," and "even if violence never occurs, the competing pressures of time and policy enforcement lead to arbitrary and capricious application of policy." In 2008, "a New York City bus driver was fatally stabbed over an unpaid fare." Meanwhile, "punishment for fare evasion falls disproportionately on the shoulders of Black and brown passengers."
According to Fayyad, "free public transit would create more equitable cities and increase people’s mobility. And beyond the benefits to residents and commuters, a fare-free transit system would undoubtedly improve working conditions for bus drivers."
FULL STORY: Another Group That Would Benefit from Free Transit: Bus Drivers

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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