Cambridge, MA, takes another step toward #freepublictransit

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) — Cambridge is considering becoming the next city to offer fare-free bus service, joining Lawrence in an effort to increase ridership. On Monday night, the Cambridge City Council will decide whether to research the details of a pilot program that would make one MBTA bus line free.
But many questions remain. Biggest of all, the costs.
“It’s sort of the green new deal idea at the local level. Right now, traffic is the worst it’s ever been,” said Cambridge City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler. Since public transportation gets cars off the streets, Cambridge is considering whether to encourage bus ridership by making one of the routes free.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/01/27/cambridge-free-bus-route-mbta-pilot-program-vote/

Ireland Elections - People Before Profit promises immediate #freepublictransit nationwide

rte.ie

Solidarity-People Before Party has launched a 'Planet Before Profit' climate action plan, saying its policies are "far-reaching and radical".
Among the proposals are free public transport, a pollution tax for airlines and a new green payment to compensate dairy farmers for reducing their herds.

Cambridge, MA, considering #freepublictransit

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) — Cambridge is considering becoming the next city to offer fare-free bus service, joining Lawrence in an effort to increase ridership. On Monday night, the Cambridge City Council will decide whether to research the details of a pilot program that would make one MBTA bus line free.

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/01/27/cambridge-free-bus-route-mbta-pilot-program-vote/ 

Worcester, MA, takes another giant step toward #freepublictransit

WORCESTER- City Manager Ed Augustus has appointed City Councilor At-Large Gary Rosen to serve on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Advisory Board.
Over the past year, Rosen has been an outspoken advocate for a fare-free bus system in Worcester.
Rosen will replace the City Manager’s chief of staff, Jacob Sanders, who served a four-year term. Rosen also serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Public Service & Transportation.

https://thisweekinworcester.com/city-manager-gary-rosen-wrta-board/ 

Boston City Council President supports #freepublictransit

Yes!! Public transit is a public good. Just like our public schools and public libraries, public transit should be free, and should be for all, not just those who can afford it. https://t.co/WKY091KtKL

— Kim Janey (@Kim_Janey) January 15, 2020

Candidate for MA04 Congress supports #freepublictransit

Free public transit increases ridership and benefits everyone — and charging for it is regressive and unsustainable. We should follow Lawrence & Worcester’s lead in shifting from car-centric planning and development to sustained emphasis on public transit. https://t.co/MXJp0jlWbZ

— Jake Auchincloss (@JakeAuch) January 16, 2020

The "doability" of #freepublictransit

"What I like about it (free public transit) is the doability of it," says Lawrence, MA Mayor Daniel Rivera. "It isn't a service people need to pay for. It's a public good." @chtransit https://t.co/xrxQ4iOsXw

— Susan Romaine (@Susan4Carrboro) January 15, 2020

Worcester, MA, takes a step toward #freepublictransit

WORCESTER - The City Council Tuesday night signaled support for a deeper exploration into the feasibility of a fare-free public transportation system.

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200107/worcester-city-council-signals-support-for-fare-free-bus-service 

Boston Globe calls for #freepublictransit

With more support from politicians and advocates, and some experiments at transit agencies both near and far, the audacious idea of making MBTA buses free seems to be gaining traction: https://t.co/MOnAeTDT0L

— Adam Vaccaro (@adamtvaccaro) January 6, 2020

Boston City Councillor supports #freepublictransit

@wutrain

Ridership up 20% in Lawrence, MA, #freepublictransit "experiment"

Wu is a leading advocate for free public transportation — pointing not just to the economic justice payoff, but also to the environmental benefits. By encouraging more people to ride the bus or hop on the train — ridership is up 20 percent on the subsidized Lawrence lines — free transit can ease congestion and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/01/opinion/boston-lets-make-bus-free/?