Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

1 minute read

December 3, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

John K. Oliver, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Terre Haute, Indiana is making public transit fare-free as of January 2, reports Ethan Sandweiss for Indiana Public Media.

According to the city, fare revenue currently covers less than 5 percent of operating costs, while ridership increases by as much as 50 percent on days when rides are free. For transportation director Debbie Hensley, this — and the drop in ridership since the pandemic — signals that the benefits of free transit will outweigh the cost. 

Sandweiss adds that eliminating fares also improves the efficiency of the service and reduces the chance of altercations between riders and operators. 

Monday, December 2, 2024 in Indiana Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

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.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

1 hour ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

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.

2 hours ago - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

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.

3 hours ago - Source NM