Cities around the country are embracing free fares to lure riders back to public transit, but the ridership recovery continues to sputter.

Like other cities, Boston began offering free transit as a way to address historic inequities and boost faltering ridership during the pandemic. But despite the benefits of eliminating transit fares, that policy alone may not do as much to reduce carbon emissions or congestion as some advocates hope, write Lisa Kashinsky and Tanya Snyder in Politico.
Early analysis of Boston’s initial Route 28 bus initiative by both the city and the MBTA showed mixed results: Ridership was up and boarding was quicker during the first four months of the program. Yet only 5 percent of survey respondents said they would have taken a car if not for the free bus trip, undermining the claim that free transit is a climate initiative or a cure for urban congestion.
The authors point out two concerns about free transit programs: “First, while ridership on the free lines usually goes up, generally the boost comes from those who might typically bike or walk, rather than pulling people out of their cars”
“Second, riders — including those with low incomes — consistently say that what really matters to them is whether the bus comes frequently enough to be useful.” Sacrificing service for lower fares doesn’t ultimately serve the people most dependent on transit.
The other major question: long-term funding. Many recent free transit programs were funded by pandemic relief dollars. “When that dries up, it’s unclear where the money will come from to keep these programs rolling.”
FULL STORY: Mayors are wielding free transit to draw people back downtown. It’s not that easy.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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