Gov. Healey announced a $30 million extension to new and existing free fare programs at 13 public transit agencies.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a plan to extend free public transit for 13 agencies across the state starting this November, reports Kayleigh Thomas for WWLP.
“[Healey] said it will help connect all rural communities to economic opportunities and provide seamless travel. This means providing people better access to schools, jobs, groceries, or doctor appointments.” Healey added, “You need to make sure that transit is connecting to people all across the state.”
The $30 million initiative, which is funded through at least June of 2025, is part of the 2025 state budget. The budget also includes $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, which lets the state access more than $1 billion in federal transportation funds.
FULL STORY: Governor Maura Healey announced $30 million in state funding will be put towards free transit
How Fair and Viable Is Free Transit?
Without other dedicated funding sources, U.S. transit agencies likely can’t sustain fare-free programs.
Massachusetts State Budget Funds Free Transit Programs
The transportation budget allocates at least $15 million to new and existing fare-free bus transit programs.
New York MTA Makes Five Bus Routes Fare-Free
The state-funded effort is a way to assess how free fares impact ridership.
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