While the details of funding are undetermined, Kansas City, Missouri took a monumental step in the history of U.S. public transit yesterday.
"The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council on Thursday unanimously approved to a resolution that may eliminate public bus fares, positioning the city to become the first major metropolitan area with free public bus service," reports Nick Starling.
The Zero Fare Transit program, as the city is calling it, will require "the City Manager to include a funding request in the next fiscal year budget to make fixed route public transportation fare free within the City," according to the text of the resolution approved yesterday. Where the money for the program comes from remains an open question.
Both Kansas City Mayor Quintron Lucas and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority voiced its support for Zero Fare Transit on Twitter.
Thank you @KCMO City Council. This is going to improve the lives of so many and help fuel the local economy. #ZeroFareTransit https://t.co/z3eZgQbtfl
— RideKC (@RideKCTransit) December 5, 2019
FULL STORY: Free bus rides: KCMO Council moves closer to eliminating fares
Kansas City Approves Transit Funding
Voters approved a ten-year extension on a sales tax that provides roughly one-third of the local transit agency’s revenue.
'Freedom to Move Act' Would Provide Federal Support for Free Transit Programs
New legislation by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) would also target fare enforcement on the nation's transit systems.
Free Transit Under Consideration in Kansas City
The idea of free transit is sold as a benefit to the environment and the city's most vulnerable residents in this editorial by the Kansas City Star.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland