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.

“After a year of free rides, CTtransit and other public transit buses ended a yearlong fare-free transit program originally introduced to expedite boarding during the COVID pandemic and help residents financially during tough economic times.” Writing for Connecticut Public Radio, Chris Polansky investigates the reasons why.
According to the state’s governor, “the federal government forced the popular program to expire” by mandating an equity study before free fares can resume. A spokesperson for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) said “Setting fares is a local – and in this case, state – decision,” but that the equity analysis, a “routine activity,” is indeed required to continue a fare-free program past twelve months.
The article details the back-and-forth between state DOT officials, the governor’s office, and state lawmakers. While lawmakers say a fare-free program isn’t possible without federal dollars and would lead to service reductions, “advocates for free transit service point to a projected better-than-$200 million surplus in the state’s Special Transportation Fund they believe could be used to cover that cost and keep the program rolling.”
Christine Cohen, D-Guilford, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said “funding the program would create a ‘significant hole’ in the STF [Special Transportation Fund], leaving it in the red a few years from now.” Governor Lamont’s office says it “remains committed to working with all stakeholders to increase service and ridership in a way that is accessible and fair to all.”
FULL STORY: Free fares are over for CT bus riders. Who's to blame?

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.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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