Fare-Free Transit

Close-up of HART bus stop sign for Route 1 and hurricane evacuation route sign on street pole in Tampa, Florida.

Popular Tampa Bus Route Going Fare-Free

The initiative, which starts on January 5, is funded by parking fees.

December 30, 2024 - That's So Tampa

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

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

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

December 3, 2024 - Indiana Public Media

Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus on Foster Street in Downtown Worcester, Massachusetts MA, USA.

Massachusetts Extends Free Transit Through June 2025

Gov. Healey announced a $30 million extension to new and existing free fare programs at 13 public transit agencies.

October 29, 2024 - WWLP

Blue and yellow 40-foot public transit bus in San Luis Obispo.

Free Transit for SLO Residents During Rideshare Week

San Luis Obispo transit riders can access fixed-route buses for free during the week of October 7 through October 11.

October 1, 2024 - A-Town Daily News

Houston Metro Bus

Houston Transit Agencies Offer ‘Free Fare Fridays’ for Ozone Action Month

Harris County is one of several Texas counties that failed EPA standards for clean air in recent years.

September 10, 2024 - Houston Public Media

Silver and blue Sun Tran public transit bus on street in Tucson, Arizona.

Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free

The city is doubling down on its efforts to boost bus ridership as part of its climate action plan.

July 28, 2024 - Yale Climate Connections

Red and yellow New Orleans streetcar running down street lined with palm trees

New Orleans to Offer Free Transit to Youth

Residents between 16 and 24 will have access to free public transit passes starting in September.

July 23, 2024 - The Times-Picayune

Passengers boarding a Petaluma Transit bus.

Petaluma Transit Eliminates Fares

The agency is offering free bus rides for one year as part of an effort to boost ridership and encourage residents to choose transit over cars.

July 2, 2024 - KTVU

Bus Service

Philly Free Transit Pilot Clocks 1.8 Million Rides

A two-year pilot program from SEPTA offers free fares to 25,000 low-income riders.

April 28, 2024 - Next City

Row of four red and white MUNI ticketing machines in transit station in San Francisco, California.

How Fair and Viable Is Free Transit?

Without other dedicated funding sources, U.S. transit agencies likely can’t sustain fare-free programs.

February 27, 2024 - Stateline

Woman waiting at city bus stop with blue bus pulling up.

Opinion: Free Transit Has Proven Itself

Eliminating transit fares can have benefits that ripple across a local economy and improve livelihoods.

January 25, 2024 - Gazette Leader

City bus in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Budget Funds Free Transit Programs

The transportation budget allocates at least $15 million to new and existing fare-free bus transit programs.

January 11, 2024 - Streetsblog Massachusetts

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5, 2023 - The Oklahoman

"Welcome to New Mexico - Land of Enchantment"  roadside sign with red text onyellow background and rustic wood frame around sign.

New Mexico Could Become First State With Free Public Transit

With less than a dozen transit agencies statewide, advocates say New Mexico could effectively make all of its transit free with enough legislative support.

November 22, 2023 - Streetblog USA

Blue Miami-Dade transit trolleybus.

Miami-Dade County Suspends Transit Fares for Rest of 2023

Starting November 13, bus and rail rides will be free as the county rolls out its ‘Better Bus’ system redesign.

October 25, 2023 - MSN

Blue bus in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Albuquerque Could Extend Free Transit Pilot

City councilors say data from a fare-free pilot program validates the economic and social benefits of free transit.

October 17, 2023 - KRQE

Close-up from back of blue and white New York City bus

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.

October 11, 2023 - El Pais

Interior of busy city bus with people standing, holding on to top bar.

New York MTA Makes Five Bus Routes Fare-Free

The state-funded effort is a way to assess how free fares impact ridership.

September 27, 2023 - Urbanize New York

White and green Rhode Island Public Transit Agency bus

Rhode Island Ends Free Transit Program

The state’s public transit agency cited cost overruns and a looming ‘fiscal cliff.’

August 14, 2023 - The Center Square

Passengers lined up to board city bus in Washington, D.C. to Dulles Airport

Complicating the Free Transit Vs. Service Debate

Pitting Washington, D.C.’s K Street Transitway against free transit oversimplifies a more complex issue.

May 15, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

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