In an effort to enhance transit Bus equity and improve accessibility to public transportation in New York City, a new pilot program is set to eliminate fees on select bus routes.
This groundbreaking initiative, scheduled to commence on September 24, will offer free rides for a minimum of six months on five carefully chosen routes, one in each of the city’s boroughs.
Exploring The Limits Of Fare-Free Testing
These fare-free bus routes are expected to cater to a significant number of commuters, with an estimated 44,000 bikers utilizing them on a weekly basis.
To ensure clear identification, buses operating on the experimental program routes will bear noticeable “fare free” labels, featuring a distinctive green and black design.
Inside the buses, digital signs will reinforce the absence of fares, while the OMNY readers and fareboxes will be covered.
It’s important to note that the test program will not provide free transfers to other buses or metro lines.
This decision was influenced by the fact that the majority of fare evasion incidents reported last year occurred specifically on buses, leading to a staggering financial loss of over $600 million for the MTA.
When selecting the routes to participate in the fare-free program, the MTA took various factors into account, including ridership, equity, and access.
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Fair And Free Bus Program Benefits All
By considering these aspects, the aim is to ensure that the program benefits a wide range of New Yorkers and contributes to a fair and inclusive public transportation system.
While the fare-free bus pilot program is a positive step towards improving transit options in the city, it is worth noting that the MTA board is set to vote on July 19 regarding a potential increase in subway fares.
It is anticipated that the board will approve a 4% ticket increase for subways and buses, as well as a 5.5% fare increase for commuter rail and tolls.
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