After eliminating transit fares in 2020, the city of Tucson is exploring ways to fund a permanent program.
Tucson’s COVID-era fare-free transit program will remain in place until the end of the year, reports Diana Ramos for Tucson.com, after which the city will assess the program’s future. “Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz sent a letter to City Manager Michael Ortega supporting his recommendation to keep fares free until the end of the year, but asked for a wide array of data over the past 10 years such as ridership data, safety and incident rates and staffing levels for bus drivers.”
The city is examining other fare-free transit programs to understand their strategies for funding and maintaining free transit. Elsewhere in Arizona, “The city of Tempe’s Orbit program provides a free neighborhood circulator shuttle, which was implemented in 2007.” The service operates year-round at 15-minute intervals and is funded by a dedicated transit tax and Arizona State University, which funds operations.
One group, however, is calling for the end of free fares in Tucson: bus drivers. “Tucson’s Teamster union released a letter May 1 asking for an end to the policy, which it blamed for a spike in crime on routes.” City officials have pushed back on this claim. “Verbal assaults between riders and drivers are low when compared to the average daily boarding, according to the city’s transit administrator, Rhett Crowninshield.”
Some related stories on the mixed success of fare-free transit programs:
FULL STORY: Fare-free transit will continue until the end of the year
Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free
The city is doubling down on its efforts to boost bus ridership as part of its climate action plan.
Opinion: Free Transit Has Proven Itself
Eliminating transit fares can have benefits that ripple across a local economy and improve livelihoods.
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.
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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service