Boston, MA is launching a two-year pilot to make three MBTA low-income bus routes free to the public

Boston, MA free public transportation pilot program

In Progress

The city of Boston is launching a two-year pilot program that will make three Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus routes free to the public. The city will reimburse the MBTA for lost fare revenue using $8 million from a COVID-19 relief fund. The three MBTA routes included in the pilot predominantly serve low-income individuals and people of color. The city predicts that pilot will make the buses run 20% more efficiently and reduce carbon emissions.

Finance Transportation Pilot / POC

Boston, MA

Municipality in Massachusetts

United States

Newsworthy

Boston, Mass., Eyes Universal Free Public Transportation

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced a pilot that will make three Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus routes free starting next month. The city is using federal relief dollars to fund the pilot.

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Mayor Michelle Wu today filed an appropriation order with the City Council for $8 million in federal funds to eliminate fares on the 23, 28 and 29 bus routes for a two-year period. Mayor Wu will seek to implement this program in close collaboration with the City Council and MBTA beginning early next year. This program builds on the 4-month fare-free 28 bus pilot program helmed by Mayor Janey.

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