Where: Kansas City MO
How: City Council approved a policy to make fixed-route public transportation free within the city
Are other cities considering the same? Yes
- Columbia, SC is
- Colorado ski communities offer free buses seasonally to improve visitor safety during ski season
- Many universities offer free service
- DC has a pilot program for free rides for low income residents
4 Benefits of free public transit:
- Improve equity
- It’s cost effective when the cost of fare collection exceeds revenue gained
- Increase ridership
- Alleviate transit employees’ enforcement responsibilities
Smart Cities Dive | Kansas City, MO to eliminate transit fares