Free Transit
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Opinion: Free Buses Can’t Come at Paratransit Riders’ Expense
Critically missing from the discourse on free buses are the implications a fare-free system would have for the MTA’s Access-A-Ride.
November 12, 2025
Katie Wilson’s Success in Seattle Shows Again that Urbanism Is A Winning Campaign Issue
The advocate's strong early performance in Seattle's mayoral primary — following Zohran Mamdani's similar triumph — shows what you can do when you focus on transit.
August 22, 2025
Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill
Progressives (like Ed Markey above) are refusing to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.
August 19, 2025
Zohran Mamdani Wants to Take a Free Bus … Straight to Gracie Mansion
So let's talk about the candidate's fare-free bus policy.
May 12, 2025
Free Buses Would Mean 12% Faster Rides And 20% More Riders: Study
Want faster buses? Make them free. The benefits will end up paying for themselves, says Charles Komanoff.
April 14, 2025
OPINION: Any Money Hochul Finds to ‘Replace’ Congestion Pricing Should Fund Fares and Frequency
The governor's congestion pricing gambit put potential infusions into MTA operations to fund things like fare subsidies and service on the back burner.
October 1, 2024
Opinion: Here’s How to Get Congestion Pricing Right
Why focus on the vegetables when dessert is on the table?
March 21, 2024
Philly Gives City Workers Free Transit. Can Other Cities Follow?
It's sure to be a boon for SEPTA, the environment, and city employees’ quality of life, but can it be a model for other cities?
September 10, 2023
Tuesday’s Headlines: Free Buses Edition
New York City's free bus test-run begins this September. Plus other news.
July 18, 2023
Independent Budget Office: Fare-Free Buses Would Cost $652M
The city's independent budget wonks have entered the free buses fray with an analysis of their very own — estimating the cost of eliminating bus fares to be lower than either supporters or skeptics of the proposal have suggested.
February 23, 2023